Being a parent is undoubtedly hard work, regardless of how much joy the role also brings. No matter how many baby books you read, nothing can quite prepare you for having a child who relies on you for the formative years of their life.
Becoming a parent can be incredibly challenging for those who may be having children younger than their peers. It’s easy and normal to feel isolated and overwhelmed when you talk about sleep routines and weaning and your friends are still going out for Friday night cocktails, but becoming a mother is a deeply personal journey. It won’t happen at the same time for everyone. So, if you’re a young mother, how can you make sure you get the support you need when you might not be able to rely on friends having experienced advice to offer? We take a look.
Sharing the load
Whilst your friends might not have practical advice to offer, they should be there to support you, regardless of where they are in their own life journey. Meet up with them and talk about how you’re feeling – not only will this stave off isolation – but it will ensure you keep a social life that doesn’t just revolve around toddler playdates but also makes them feel actively involved in your life.
Additionally, if you have a partner, make sure that you’re splitting child-related tasks in a fair way. It can be easy to slip into the habit of doing everything if your partner returns to work or becomes protective and thinks you’ll do the job best, but sharing the load is important. Not only will this help you manage feelings of overwhelm, but it’s also essential to allow your partner to build their own relationship with their child.
Support groups
Support groups can be a great place to start if you need practical advice or want to talk to other parents about your concerns. There are specific parent and baby support groups that are held in person, or you can also find support online or on apps.
If you’re just looking to banish the loneliness that sometimes comes with being at home with a baby, look out for local fun groups, such as baby sensory classes, baby music groups or baby dance classes. Not only will your child get to meet other children, but you might find it a more natural setting to make friends with other parents.
Educational and financial support
Raising a child may mean putting your educational or career goals on hold. Especially if you’re a younger mother just starting out on your journey, this can leave money a little tight. It can feel impossible to take on any courses when your focus is on the new addition to your family.
However, funding is available to support young parents specifically, so make sure you know what you’re entitled to. Whilst your working or educational life won’t immediately snap back to how it was before you became a mother, being able to afford to put your little one in daycare, even for a few hours, may give you back some time you need.
For more expert tips on balancing work and family life, check out this blog post here.