With Mother’s Day and Father’s Day approaching in the coming days, Family Healthcare of Siouxland wants to honor all parents and the difficult jobs they do for the next generation and the generations to come. We’ve compiled a list of five things we’ve found help give moms and dads the best ways to enjoy (and survive) every step of the rewarding journey of parenthood.
Sleep.
When asked about the most important piece of parenting advice, every single doctor in the Family Healthcare of Siouxland practice said, “SLEEP!” Whether you rest when the baby does, allow yourself naps, or alternate care so both parents are moderately rested on a regular basis, never underestimate how good being well-rested feels. This isn’t a wives’ tale. This is doctor’s order. If you aren’t getting enough sleep and it has nothing to do with a newborn or toddler ninjas stealing mattress real estate and covers, consider making an appointment with a specialist (we know a great sleep center), which can help you make sure you make the most of your shut-eye.
Drink Water.
It doesn’t matter if you are pregnant with your first child or your children are pulling you out of bed in the morning; the best thing you can do for you body when you wake up is to drink a full glass of water. Outside of its benefits for digestion and metabolism, drinking water when you first wake up ensures that your body, which is made up of 60% of the stuff, doesn’t get too dehydrated when the chaos of the day takes over.
Spend time with each other.
Like Mother Theresa famously said, “What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.” By making your partnership a priority, you are not only confirming your commitment to each other, you are also confirming your aligned focus to the welfare of your children. Share your morning coffee (or water!), be affectionate, and make date night plans. Children benefit from witnessing strong relationships, both as a model for future behavior as well as seeing them as a source of love, trust, and respect. By all means, include your kids in your morning rituals and make Moments whenever you can find them.
Take a vitamin.
We can’t stop parents from eating their children’s leftovers nor can we force them to eat more vegetables. What we can recommend is a daily vitamin to help round out their nutrition to keep them functioning at their best, especially when stress, sleep deprivation, and chaos reign supreme.
Ask for help.
Ah, the three little words no one wants to say: “I need help.” As a parent, you have arguably the hardest job on the planet, and you were never meant to do it alone, efficiently, or particularly well the first time. “Be patient. It gets better,” says Dr. Danner. Reach out to those who have been there (like your doctors), and involve as much of your family as possible in your day-to-day routine. You will be amazed at the difference a little help can make.
As parents, it’s easy to let the schedules of our offspring take over our lives, so the best thing you can do for your family is to equip your mind and body with the best tools possible to keep functioning at your best. It’s the oxygen-mask theory; take care of yourself so you can more fully take care of the ones you love. Celebrate your life in the lives you helped create. You are doing a beautiful job.
As Dr. Schenk says: “You are already supermoms (and dads!)—no more reason to prove it!”