4 Tips For New Parents

Becoming a parent for the first time is a scary, but exciting challenge. Everyday will be filled with something new as your baby grows and develop their own personality. There are a 4 rules to live by that will set a solid foundation in your new role as a parent.

4 Tips for New Parents

1. Be a friend. Let your child know that you are always available to talk, or just listen. Spend time playing, goofing around and just enjoying each others company. Take the time to forget all your parenting duties and have fun.
2. Be a teacher. Your child will watch and learn from anything you do. Be a great role model in your daily life and set a good example. Your morals and beliefs will greatly influence your child's.
3. Be a role model. Be the person you want your child to be. One of the biggest mistake is to tell your child to 'do as I say, not as I do.' Children learn a lot by imitating their parents.
4. Be a parent. In the end, you're still the parent. Don't be afraid to put your foot down and discipline your child. Sometimes you have to show tough love. They may not thank you, but you are doing your child a favor by not giving in.

Parenthood is a crazy roller coaster, filled with good and bad times. The key is to learn from your mistakes and do what is best for your child. Do the best you can from the start and your children will thank you.

Visit CleverFather.com for more Advice for Dads [http://cleverfather.com] and Parenting Tips [http://cleverfather.com]. CleverFather: Because kids don't come with instructions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3534532

Postpartum Depression in Men

Men Also Get the Baby Blues

Society tells us that a new baby should be one of the most joyous of all life experiences. Well, for many new parents it can be quite the opposite.

Who Does It Effect?

Postpartum depression is an incapacitating psychological illness. It affects more than 15 percent of new mothers and 10 percent of new fathers. Many parents simply do not tell anyone that they are not coping with their new role as parents. It is common to experience very painful emotions after the birth of a new baby and men in particular do not ask for help. How many men visit a doctor when they need it, let alone get help when they are not coping emotionally or experiencing the baby blues?

Having a new baby brings massive changes to your life and there are a lot of 'fairytale' expectations from the world around us that are impossible to live up to. Men are often totally unprepared for the new stresses having a young family can bring: suddenly they have to juggle work, extra financial pressures and trying to support their partner who is going through her own life-flip!

How Do Men Feel

Add to that a loss of freedom, lack of sleep, probably less sex - let alone the huge identity change that comes with being a new dad. All of this can lead to resentment towards their baby, their partner and everyone around them that is still living the life they used to have.

Postpartum depression in men, or baby blues, can bring with it mood swings, drug taking or drinking, anger, anxiety attacks, becoming withdrawn from loved ones and a general feeling of unhappiness. Many men then try to brush off the negative feelings they experience and struggle on without seeking support.

It's Okay to Not Love Being a New Dad

If postpartum depression is left untreated it can be devastating for the whole family. Men need to know that it is okay to have negative feelings about their new role as a parent and reaching out for help is the right thing to do.

Postpartum Depression in men is treated with therapy or counseling and sometimes antidepressants as well. Joining a support group for new parents is also a good way to understand that you are not alone and that there are plenty of other men sharing the same experience.

Cherish and be marveled at by the family you have created. For more information about being new parents and how it affects your marriage visit [http://makingmarriagebetter.com/marriage-after-baby]

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Natalie_Bright/735113

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4852711