ible to institute ideas like child safety and boundaries at an earlier age. Parents should start with positive reinforcement on younger children, and they can do this with affirming language and gestures. Punishment should be used only sparingly and only for older children who have begun to grasp difficult ideas like what is right versus what is wrong.
- Stress management for yourself and your partner. Don’t forget that children are not the only part of this equation! You and your partner also deserve time to relax, have fun, and come back to the task of parenting with renewed focus. Get on the skill of being extra sensitive to your partner’s worries and level of exhaustion. Learn to make important calls on alternating tasks, allotting time with children, and setting aside time for a breather. Paying attention to stress management will make you better, more energized parents.
It may seem overwhelming sometimes, but you’ve got an entire community of Australian parents to support you. At such an early point in their lives, your children will look up to you as their heroes. Also, the skills and the sacrifices that come with becoming a parent will prove to be rewarded in themselves as your children grow and develop.