| A Dad usually plays well with their baby or child, | | | | 5. Establish suitable routines (such as bath time, |
| but if they are a sole parent or shared parent | | | | bedtime, feeding). Children thrive on the security |
| then they need to work out ways that they can | | | | of knowing what is happening next and routines |
| play and spend quality time with their child as well | | | | help to make the experience of parenthood less |
| as getting some of the essential jobs done and | | | | chaotic and unpredictable. |
| keeping fit and well them self. Below are some | | | | 6. Agree on guidelines and boundaries for child |
| ideas that may help. | | | | discipline with your partner if you are sharing |
| 1. Have your baby laying on your chest as you | | | | access and make sure you enforce what you |
| read or sing aloud to them. They will enjoy | | | | agree on. Mixed disciplines can be very unsettling |
| hearing the rhythmical sound of your voice, even | | | | for young children. |
| if you sing off key or you are reading a car, | | | | 7. Praise your child whenever possible. Even as a |
| sport or fishing magazine! They won't care it is | | | | tiny baby they will be soothed by the sounds of |
| the sound and vibration of your voice that they | | | | your encouragement. You can always find |
| enjoy in the early months. | | | | something to give them positive reinforcement |
| 2. Play with your baby or toddler. Go for a walk | | | | for, even on the worst of days. Some days you |
| outside with them in a sling or a pram. If your | | | | just have to look harder or force a smile! |
| baby is under 3 months old a pram that has your | | | | 8. Learn how to cook simple nutritious food. If |
| baby facing you is best. | | | | you have a toddler have them help you prepare |
| 3. Socialisation: be proactive in organising social | | | | food to eat. Perhaps washing the vegetables or |
| occasions with other parents, or attending | | | | mixing ingredients in a bowl. |
| parenting groups. It's a great way of 'normalising' | | | | 9. Encourage your toddler to help you in the |
| your parenting experience and meeting others | | | | garden or play with pegs while you hang the |
| with whom you can share your experiences, | | | | washing on the line. Sit them in an empty washing |
| difficulties and solutions. | | | | basket next to you with a few colourful or |
| 4. Have a fun or relaxing bath or shower with | | | | textured objects to play with. |
| them if you feel this is appropriate for you both. | | | | |