How to Stay Patient as a New Parent

Parenting is never easy, especially for new parents. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that revives your whole life. Blessed with a baby recently? Is he/she freaking you out? Well, it's normal! Kids come down from heaven on a special mission and that is to turn their parents’ life upside down. And now that you have brought them to the world, you need to handle them kindly and wisely. 

Childcare is tougher than a full-time job. Your boss can mess up your life and you can’t do anything except stay patient. Yes, Mr. and Mrs. New parent, patience is #1 when it comes to parenting. It can help you tackle all the challenges and changes that this new phase of life has to offer. Your child may want to be fed in the middle of the night, his diaper may leak any time of the day, he may cry all night because of belly pain and you can’t do anything to relax him. You may not be able to focus at work, you may not be able to sleep well, and the list goes on - but you must dig deep to cultivate daily patience. 

Patience prevents you from burning out 

Parenting, as already mentioned, is the toughest job in the world. It requires both your physical and mental investment. You need to put in your blood, sweat, and tears to raising a child which requires more endurance than we can possibly imagine. It sometimes gets so stressful that people break down emotionally and physically. The exhaustion sets in and without a good perspective and a healthy amount of patience, it's easy to give up on other things in life -- like your career, your marriage, or your health. These are the times to remember how patience is a virtue and something worthwhile. Staying patient with whatever situation your facing will most likely result in family harmony. 

For example, let's say your one child is bullying your other child on a daily basis. You notice it and your husband notices it. You tell them time and time again to be nice to each other, but they are still at each other's throats over the littlest of things. By continually reminding yourself that patience is the #1 virtue that a new parent can cultivate -- you'll remain calm and focused. A simple shift in mindset in that moment of distress can make all the difference in your life. 

Patience sets a good example for your children

It is often said that a mother's lap is the child's first school. This means that children learn much of their morals and etiquette from their mothers in their early years. They imitate the actions of the people around them. If you're frustrated and angry all the time, your child is likely to act in the same manner. If you're continuously losing your cool, the child may very well turn quiet and not share anything with you. 

Being a good role model for your children is about setting an example. If you are patient, they will imitate your behavior with others. If they have done something wrong, don’t shout at them. Firmly correct the behavior by telling them politely about the mistake and showing them a better way to act. Losing your temper and shouting only normalizes the behavior in your household.