Being a new mother isno easy task, and it’s clear that they need and deserve all the support they can get. However, sometimes their expectations can be a bitunrealistic, especially when it comes to older siblings helping out with a newborn.
In a moment of frustration, one new mom sought adviceonlineabout her 14-year-old daughter’s reluctance to lend a hand with household chores. She expressed her feelings of embarrassment and disappointment over her daughter’s behavior, particularly when she avoids her during breastfeeding. Keep reading to discover how she navigates this challenging situation.
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New mothers face numerous challenges in the early days of motherhood
Image credits:Getty Images (not the actual photo)
One overwhelmed mom opened up about her struggles with a newborn and how her teenage daughter refuses to help around the house
Image source:the3e7s
Regardless of whether it’s your second or third child, nothing truly prepares parents for the challenges and changes that come with expanding the family
As a parent, you might think that having a child prepares you for the journey ahead. When you’re expecting your second, it feels like you’ve got things figured out. You’ve already got your diaper bag stocked with the essentials, and you know exactly how many diapers to pack for the first month.
No matter how many children you have, the experience of becominga parentis always a new and wonderful adventure. Even if you feel more prepared with the second, third, or beyond, there will always be new lessons to learn along the way.Especially fornew moms, even if you feel like you’ve got everything under control with your second child, anxiety might still creep in. The pressure to be aperfect parentcan be overwhelming, and you might worry about being able to juggle the needs of both your newborn and your older child.It’s normal to feel a bit anxious, but remember that it’s okay to ask for help,take breaks, and even have moments where you don’t have it all together. The reality is, no one does.
Postpartum depression is more common than many people realize. According toresearch, it affects a significant number of women after childbirth, regardless of whether it’s their first or subsequent child.
Even if you felt perfectly fine after your first, you may still experience changes in mood or emotional struggles during your second postpartum period. Your body has gone through a lot of changes again, and it’s important to acknowledge that those feelings are valid.
The firstborn needs attention and guidance to navigate their emotions when a new sibling arrives
While they might feel excited about the new arrival, they could also experience feelings of sadness, confusion, or jealousy. They mightstrugglewith the idea of sharing attention, love, and time that they used to have all to themselves. It’s important to validate those feelings and help themnavigatethrough this transition.
In this particular incident, the mom expected her teen daughter to help more than she was emotionally prepared for, without taking into account how the older child was feeling. It’s a reminder that even as parents, we must remember that communication is key to helping our children adapt. What are your thoughts on balancing responsibilities with the first child during this transitional period? Have you had similar experiences? Share your thoughts below!
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