My husband and I just became grandparents for the very first time last month, and we are absolutely smitten with our new baby granddaughter. Everyone always said that joining the ‘grandparent club’ was a very special event, and now I can absolutely understand the sentiment! Grandchildren are a true blessing, and we thank the Lord for the new addition to our crew. Our daughter and her little family live fifteen hours away from us, so I can already tell that I will become a frequent flyer!

Because it’s been almost eighteen years since our last child was born and almost thirty-three years since we had our first children (identical twin daughters), the memory of all the issues facing brand new parents had faded. However, as I’ve stayed with my daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter these last three weeks, I’ve been reintroduced to the blurry time-warp that seems to come with the momentous and life-changing event of a birth! Sleepless nights, constant diaper and outfit changes, meal considerations, and extreme tiredness (and grumpiness) seem to be the new normal—so it’s often hard to remember that these early days with a newborn are simply part of a quickly passing season.

As I’ve tried to be a help and encouragement, here are a few suggestions and reassurances from ‘the other side of parenting’ that I’ve passed along to my daughter and son-in-law.

Let go of perfection.

Yes, it’s important to keep a tidy and clean home. Yes, it’s wonderful to have nutritious  home-cooked meals. But remember, these early days are often about survival and getting through the nights (and days).  Once the baby settles into a routine, things will get somewhat back to normal. Then your ‘regularly scheduled program’ can resume. Right now, just take care of the basics and call it good.

Enjoy these moments.

You may be looking at the world through blurry eyes for a few weeks, but these moments will pass in a blink. Soak up the memories. You may be burping the baby or changing yet another dirty diaper—but try to be present and enjoy this fleeting newborn stage.

Accept help.

If you are offered help by a relative, friend, or church member—accept it, if possible. It’s such a gift to open the door to a friend holding a meal or a parent offering to vacuum, clean toilets, or hold the baby while you get a shower.

Hold the baby and snuggle. 

This is just a variation on suggestion #2. Little ones won’t stay little for long. Instead of holding your tiny baby in your arms, before long you’ll soon be carting the little tyke to school or various activities. Get all the newborn snuggles while you can.

Limit commitments.

During your newborn’s first few weeks, limit your commitments. For starters, you’ll be exhausted, and the idea of getting ready and out the door with a tiny human and all the needed paraphernalia is quite daunting.  And of course, it’s best to keep a baby at home for a little while after they’re born—especially during cold and flu season. Rest and recuperate. There will be plenty of time for activities and regular commitments later.

Give grace to each other.

When sleep-deprivation is the norm, it’s easy to become ill-tempered and frustrated with the other parent. Realize this and plan for it. It takes effort and prayer, but again, THIS SEASON WILL PASS. Love each other. Forgive each other. Pray together and read Scripture together. You will get through it.

Pay it forward.

The newborn season is a learning season. Afterwards, you will understand what other new parents are going through when they bring home that first baby. Pray for them. Offer a meal. Encourage them. It will make a big difference!

Finally…

Becoming a new parent (and grandparent) is one of the most wonderful blessings EVER, but it’s not easy, especially in the world we live in today. Let’s be an encouragement and light to the parents who are embarking on this amazing journey. Let’s pray for them as they strive to bring up their precious little ones in the nurture and admonition of the Lord!

I’ve recently discovered an amazing devotion for new parents, and I think it would make a meaningful and appreciated gift. 

Blessings,

Amy

Be sure to sign up to receive updates of each new post on our Christian Children’s Authors blog. Follow us for new book news, free resources, parenting tips, and encouragement!

#newparents #christianchildrensauthors #christianbooks #christianauthors #christianwriters #christianteachers #christianbooksforkids #christianchildrensbook #christianchildrensbooks #christianhomeschool