Responsibilities in a family with a baby up to a year

Wachanga’s psychologist gives recommendations to parents – how to act in difficult situations and maintain the right relationship with the baby.

After the appearance of a child, the way of the family living, roles and the distribution of responsibilities inevitably change. If you do not pay attention to this in time, misunderstandings, discontent, crisis states may arise.

It is desirable to redistribute the responsibilities of each family member even before the birth of the baby. But if you're a little late with that, it doesn't matter. You can always sit down at the table with the whole family and agree on who is now cleaning the house, who goes to the store, and who walks the dog. Separately, discuss everything that is associated with a new family member – caring for them, feeding. Otherwise, it will fall only on the shoulders of the mother, and it will be difficult for her.

Mom 

Mother is the most important person in the life of a child. It is she who needs to feed the baby – dthis is the main duty, especially in the first year of life. It is also important that it is the mother who monitors the baby's regimen, nutrition, sleep and activities. She also cares about a safe environment for the harmonious development of the baby.

The mother should also monitor the hygiene of the child, sometimes overcoming fears of their fragile body. Here the experience of grandmothers or the determination of the second half (after a certain theoretical training, of course) will not hurt.

The whole family shouldn’t forget that the mother needs not only to get enough sleep, monitor her diet, but also to be in a good mental state, because the baby feels if something is wrong with the mother. Therefore, others during this period should help the mother with what they can cope with, so that the mother can immerse herself in caring for herself and the baby to the fullest.

Partner (father, guardian)

It is very important that it is the partner who makes every effort during this difficult period to ensure that the mother is calm and at least sometimes rests. For example, you can take responsibility for an evening walk with a baby – so the mother could take a bath, relax and devote a little time to herself. Also, the partner can do household chores, do the groceries, help with cleaning and sometimes cook. If there is another child in the family, the partner can take care of them.

Remember that the presence of all close family members is important in the upbringing of the baby from the first days. The role of the partner not only in helping the mother, but also in full presence in the life of the family; it is important that the baby hears, sees and communicates with them.

Grandparents and other relatives

First of all, all family members should remember that the grandmother is not the mother, the grandfather is not the father. They can't take full responsibility for parenting, and advice is not mandatory. Nevertheless, they play an important role – as assistants to parents.

Parents of the baby can discuss and decide how grandparents could help in caring for the baby. For example, walking with the child, sometimes sitting with them when the mother needs to be away for a while. Grandparents can play with the baby, read fairy tales, tell stories, lull – this will bring great pleasure to everyone without exception. The main thing is to agree beforehand about the rights and obligations of the family memebers.

Talk to each other not only about responsibilities, but also about the schedule of caring for the baby. Then everyone will have a little free time. This is very important for the psyche – to stay at least for a short time alone with yourself.

Respect each other and your baby!