New parent challenges at home

3 minute read

Being a new parent is a wonderful and unique moment. Life transforms, as care for a newborn takes over and life changes forever. Every moment is filled with feeding, changing nappies, washing, not to mention cleaning, cooking and shopping for groceries. This leaves little time to keep a home tidy and when left to accumulate, things can become overwhelming and seem impossible to manage. Then, as babies become toddlers, this becomes even harder as toys, books and games threaten to cover the whole floor, becoming clutter which can lead to stress and anxiety. 

Making a list of priorities will help keep the home calm and under control, which isn’t something many new parents often feel. However, just organisation isn’t enough, it’s those daily habits that help.

APDO member Jennie Smith shares 7 strategies to help maintain calm at home throughout those joyful and busy days of new parenthood.

1. Accept help

It’s important to share the load with others and to let friends or relatives come and vacuum, do your shopping for you or cook a meal. This gives you time to concentrate on the little one and letting others in can make a world of difference. Many people want to help but wait to be asked, so reach out and build your support network and make the parenting journey feel less overwhelming.

2. Tackle small tasks - when you're ready

Small jobs can quickly mount up and become overwhelming. So, if it takes less than a minute, do it now. This could mean anything from wiping the surfaces in the kitchen, tidying up the books on the floor, washing those few dishes or stacking the dishwasher. These mini wins will help give you momentum throughout the day, and provide motivation to keep on top of things.

3. Set up a night time routine

Ensuring that bottles are sterilised, clothes put away and breakfast things are ready, means you can start the day feeling in control and free up your time for more cuddles with your little one.

4. Pack away unwanted sizes and items

Children grow fast and they soon outgrow their clothes. Put those items no longer worn into dust proof bags or boxes. Ensure that each box or bag is labelled with the age they’re for, so they can be found easily. Alternatively, if no longer needed, then think about donating to your chosen charity, or send to textile recycling when clothes are worn out.

5. Buy less, but buy the best

Studies show that children will appreciate their toys more if they have less. In 2018 The British Psychological Society published an article stating that a child with fewer toys to play with, will spend longer playing with each one and become more creative with their play. Buy less, but buy the best you can afford, rather than cheaper toys that will quickly end up in landfill. If you feel you already have too many toys in the house, try rotating them so that not everything is out at once. This will also mean less to tidy away and help to keep things fresh. 

6. Teach tidying up

As children become older, encourage them to tidy up after each activity. Toddlers are much more capable than we think, so teaching them how to keep things tidy throughout the day will create valuable habits for the future. Even if your child can’t or won’t join in, just seeing you maintain this habit will be beneficial.

7. Create homes for each thing

Have a home for everything, otherwise it will ‘float’ around the house. Baskets or boxes are a great way to keep similar items together and these can easily be brought out when your child wants those toys or books. This also means that everyone in the family knows where to put things when it’s time to tidy up.

Lastly, remember that the goal is to keep on top of things when it’s possible, but this isn’t always going to be easy. During those first few weeks especially, if things slip a little, don’t be hard on yourself, just let go of any unrealistic standards while everyone adjusts. This will help you to feel calmer and, once everyone is ready, set your tidying routines in place and take time to enjoy being a new parent: it’s a special time after all.

If you would like a Professional to support you with preparations for a new arrival or to help bring calm to your changing home, take a look at our member directory.