When it comes to giving new mothers or mothers-in-waiting advice, the list is as long as it is varied.
You’ll hear which brand of nappies is the best, which maternity hospital to attend, what buggy brand is way too expensive.
And that’s all the practical stuff which is obviously important. But what about everything else? What can you expect motherhood to really be like?
Here are 20 of the best pieces of advice that we can give you:
1. Babies are like puppies
They really just want someone to play with them all day long so try to squeeze in as much fun stuff as you can.
2. You will need to be reminded from time to time about how small your children really are
One way is to phone your partner or babysitter and ask to have them put on the phone. Their tiny kiddie voices will bring it home.
3. Small kids don’t understand time
They won’t know if they’ve been at the playground for ten minutes or an hour. The important thing is that you’ve been to the playground.
4. Make time to dance with your kids
There is no happier place than a make-shift dance floor in your living room.
5. You will have to pretend like you’re a dumb ass a lot
When your kids bring information home from school such as ‘Did you not know that people can go to THE MOON?’, you have to make out that they are the first human being to ever receive that info
6. You’ll get used to the noise
At some point on a given day, the dog will bark at the milkman while the baby cries, the dishwasher alarm will beep because it’s about to malfunction, your phone will ring non-stop, your toddler will call you over and over.. all simultaneously.
7. You’ll love buying children’s books
You’ll realise how much you missed bedtime stories when you start reading them all over again with your kids.
8. It’s all about the love
Being on the receiving end of a hug or a kiss from one of your kids out of the blue is the most heart-warming experience you will ever have.
9. You will need to demand attention
The first year of your baby’s life is a tough adjustment for everyone and you and your child should be given the time, patience and close attention you deserves.
10. Car seats are heavy and a bitch on your back
Try to get someone else to carry it for you as much as possible. Failing that, get your baby out of it and into a cosy sling if you need to carry them.
11. It will be so easy to forget that you need to do nice things for yourself
Find the regular time for a bath or a walk – anything that lets you recharge.
12. You literally cannot be silly enough around your kids
Make faces, get down on the floor for tickle fights, give piggy backs up the stairs – they will love you all the more for it.
13. Toddlers say the funniest things all the time
Try your best to write one or two down so you don’t forget them and/or use them against them at their 21st
14. It is essential to sit still with your kids for a moment at least once a day
No phones, no TV, no distractions. Just look at them or hold them and give a second to thinking about how great this all is.
15. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Anyone who loves you won’t mind you asking them for help if you need it with babysitting, school pick ups, doctor’s visits or even for a chat if you’re in need of it.
16. A grandparent’s love for their grandchildren is a beautiful thing to behold
You will know how very much your own parents love you when you see it reflected in the love that they give your kids.
17. You will need to adjust your sleep schedule for a time
No two people have the same sleep pattern so don’t expect a new baby to fall into yours. You’ll figure it out.
18. Flexibility is key
Be prepared, and prepare everyone around you, for you to have to change plans last minute. Kids get sick, you might feel more like getting into bed early than going out sometimes. It’s not the end of the world – there’s always next weekend.
19. You are still you
Motherhood can change the way that you see the world, your lifestyle and your disposable income. But it doesn’t change the essence of who you are so make sure you remember that and hold on to it.
20. Your power as a mother cannot be underestimated
Make like Spiderman and repeat after me: ‘With great power comes great responsibility’.
Rock on, momma.
