You’re doing it right

The most common fear I hear from first-time expectant parents about preparing for a baby is that they are somehow doing it all WRONG. Not just making a mistake, but capital letters W-R-O-N-G. Things like: I’m not reading the right books, I’m not “in tune” enough with the baby, and so on. (Note that I’m not talking about medical or heath issues, just the act of becoming a parent and the jumbled process of that transition. Obviously, if you have a medical concern, speak to your care provider.)

Here’s what you need to know: if it works for you, you are doing it right.

Even though there is an entire industry out there around making you a superparent and your experience perfect in every way, you will only ever find the thing that works for YOU.

Maybe it feels too simplistic, but all you really have to do is love your baby, and keep them healthy and alive while staying sane.

Easy, right?

Hah.

Of course, it’s not easy at all, and it certainly isn’t simple. So take what you need from all the advice swirling out there, and leave the rest for another confused parent. If you can’t rely on instinct, seek out someone who parents in a way you would want to emulate and ask them for support.

I promise, they feel just as confused as you, much of the time.

And you’re all doing it right.

What’s your biggest parenting fear? Go on, share it in the comments. You’ll feel better.