Being a new parent can make you feel more than a little frazzled. During your baby’s first year, take advantage of whatever helps, including the affirmations in the following list. Repeat them whenever the need arises. And expect the need to arise often.
I am a responsible person, even though I may not always feel like I know what I’m doing.
Just because my child has crying jags (and/or doesn’t sleep through the night at 3 months), it doesn’t mean that I’m doing something wrong.
I will not always be so tired.
I will not feel so old a year from now.
My breasts will not always feel like they’re going to crack off and/or explode.
Fatigue is just a state of mind.
I really am fortunate to simply have a healthy child.
Eventually, Baby will learn to walk, feed himself, and have a life that is all his own — these infant days are fleeting and precious.
My house doesn’t have to be picture-perfect (or spotless) to ensure that my baby has a wonderful childhood.
My child doesn’t need the most expensive clothes, toys, or baby accessories to be happy.
Yelling at my baby only scares him: He doesn’t grasp my intended message.
My working outside of the home is not going to damage my child emotionally.
I can’t sanitize the entire world; my child will get sick from time to time.
When the time comes, I will allow Baby to safely explore the world instead of hovering over him, biting my nails.
I will not compare my child to my friends’ kids, or take stock in comparisons other people make.
I will try to read to Baby every day.
My pediatrician will not think I’m unintelligent for asking questions about my child’s development.
Baby-proofing is a job that’s never truly finished.
I can and will find a responsible babysitter so that I can have some one-on-one adult time once in a while.
I am really learning about myself by caring for my child.
