Clash of Parenting Styles – Best Ways of Dealing with It

Clash of parenting styles is a common issue that disturbs the kids and the parents. Let’s consider the situation of Katie who is the mother of two kids and believes in being strict with them. Her partner, Matt, on the other hand, has a lenient way of dealing with the kids. He believes in saying ‘yes’ to the kids, no matter how outrageous their demands are. Their contradicting parenting styles lead to frequent clashes and are affecting the kids’ psyche as well. How parents facing similar problems can deal with the situation most effectively?

• Firstly, accept the fact that differences of opinion are normal and need not be a negative thing always. As Martin Maldonado (psychiatrist, Family Service & Guidance Center) says, "It's healthy for children to be exposed to differences of opinion”. Maldonado further opines, "You don't have to agree on everything, but you do have to respect each other's point of view." Therefore, the next time your partner differs from your opinion, discuss the issue and decide a strategy that gives equal importance to the suggestions of both of you.

• Parents often disagree regarding the foods that kids should or should not eat. While some believe that adopting a no-candy eating plan is crucial, others think that there is no need to worry about foods as long as the kids are maintaining a healthy weight. Ideal compromise would involve healthy cereals for breakfast and an occasional unhealthy snack. However, if you are facing difficulties in reaching a consensus, opt for an interesting strategy suggested by Dr. Maldonado. If mom is making breakfast, she decides what to serve. If it’s dad’s turn, it will be his call.

• In situations where you can’t decide a middle ground, ask for suggestions from a friend of friend counselor. Opinion of a neutral person regarding the implementation of parenting style in a particular situation can help you to see the problem in a new light.

Conflicts, while bringing up the kids are common, so are mistakes. Accept any situation in a positive way and you will come up with creative ways of dealing with it.

Parenting Tips – How to Beat Baby Blues: Part II

In our previous post, we discussed the importance of reconnecting with your partner to beat baby blues. While this parenting tip helps you to make a strong bond with your partner and bring harmony in the family, our next tip will surely help you to stay sane during the first few months of motherhood. As we have discussed, your life changes once you have a baby and so do your circle of friends. You can hardly make out time to hang out with same people once you have kids and vice versa. Your friends have their “things” to do while you have yours; the timetable too changes, depending on your baby’s schedule. You need to cope up with the baby-world. It an experience in itself, though this period can often become little frustrating.

Many moms feel lonely and isolated and in such case, you will need a close circle of friends to keep you sane. Better yet, make more mommy friends who share your interests. In fact, you should start making mommy friends during your pregnancy period; make friends at prenatal Yoga classes and birthing classes. Having a group of supportive female friends will help you to cope up with several emotional vicissitudes, especially if your partner stays at work most of the time. You can plan shopping with this group to buy baby stuff, visit the park together, join playgroups, and plan meet ups. Also, connect with the moms of other kids when your child starts going playschools.

In addition, plan some time out for your old friends. Once in a while, plan a ‘girl’s night’ with your old friends, and make sure to ask your partner or any other family member (you can get a babysitter as well) to take care of the baby in your absence. Share your stories to those empathetic ears, you will surely feel better.

Parenting Tips – How to Beat Baby Blues: Part I

Everything changes when you become parent – the way you live, your priorities, needs and even your body. And with so many changes, you are likely to feel irritated and depressed. However, you can easily deal with such baby blues by following these parenting tips.

One of the most important parenting tips is to share responsibilities with your partner. The pregnancy itself is enough to make you feel tired, and after the baby is born, there are so many works to do that you are likely to become even more tired and feel irritated. This is the time when your partner should share some of the new responsibilities and allow you to have some for yourself. Whether it is changing the diapers at night or preparing the breakfast – make sure you give the new mother adequate time and opportunity to rest.

The new moms too should keep a stable, solid bond with their partners. This not only makes the family’s harmony, but can also make or break your moods. Try to bridge all the gaps and ease the tension, if there is any. Just like everything else, babies can even change relationships. Make sure you are not neglecting your partner, even if you have to spend much time and focus on your baby. Spend quality time and listen to your partner. You can do some of the daily chores together, or take some time away from the baby to renew that bond with your partner. Go for shopping together or just get out once in a week and ask a family member to take care of the baby while you are away.

Tips to Enjoy a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy

Becoming a mother can be one of the greatest joys experienced by a woman. The nine months of pregnancy is a crucial period and it is important to take care in the right manner to ensure that you enjoy a healthy and happy pregnancy. We provide few pregnancy tips that will keep you and your baby safe, secured and comfortable during this time.

• Opt for a healthy diet. Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, juices. Avoid junk, artificial and processed foods.

• A good pregnancy tip is to drink as much water as possible. Keep yourself well hydrated throughout the day.

• Spend your time by taking rest, reading and doing light exercises. Consult your doctor regarding the kind of exercises routines that will be safe for you. If you are a working person, avoid over-stressing yourself at your workplace.

• Educate yourself regarding pregnancy, childbirth and baby care. Search for parenting and pregnancy tips on the Internet or grab a useful book.

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions whenever you are advised to take any test. Remember that you not only have the right, but also the responsibility to know how these tests will affect you and your baby.

• Spend more time with your partner. Go for a walk; watch movies, read pregnancy books-in brief, find ways to communicate with him. Remember that healthy bonding and understanding between the parents is crucial for the child’s emotional growth.

It is important to enjoy your pregnancy, rather than stressing about. Follow these tips and enjoy the best time of your life.