Parenting Advice Friends Should Share

1 Your New Life May Not Look the Way You Envisioned It

Image Source: Danielle Guenther Photography

Whether it's because you're trying to breastfeed and the baby won't latch, or your little guy or girl has a case of colic, parenthood doesn't always look the way you think it will, especially not in the early days.

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2 You Shouldn't Be Afraid to Ask For Help

Image Source: Flickr user surlygirl

And in doing so, you just might make a grandma's day.

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3 You'll Never Really Be Alone Again

Image Source: Flickr user Ed Yourdon

Once you become a mom, your heart and mind are always with your kids, whether you're physically with them or not. It takes some getting used to, but it's a constant reminder that you're doing the most important job in the world.

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4 Breastfeeding? Your Days Will Revolve Around It

Image Source: Flickr user paxye

Don't let them underestimate this — it's a commitment!

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5 Your Friendships May Evolve

Image Source: Flickr user Thomas Hawk

You may find that you have less in common with friends who you used to relate to, and more to talk about with the other women at mommy-and-me music class than you'd ever imagined possible.

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6 You Won't Get Graded On Your Swaddling Skills

Image Source: Flickr user Deann Barrera

. . . Or anything else, for that matter. So relax. You'll figure it all out. Promise.

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7 Good Moms Have Bad Days

Image Source: Flickr user Yoshihide Nomura

Everyone does. Don't beat yourself up over these.

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8 Take Those Naps Wherever and Whenever You Can Get Them

Image Source: Flickr user Eric Lanning

Everyone wins.

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9 Don't Stress About Milestones

Image Source: Flickr user Tela Chhe

Some babies take their first steps at 10 months, others 17. Chances are, this won't come up during the college application process.

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10 When You Least Expect It, You'll Feel Like You're Nailing This

Image Source: Flickr user Jack Fussell

Remember those moments on the bad days and sleepless nights.

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11 Don't Mourn Them Growing Up Quickly — It Only Gets Better

Image Source: Flickr user Jack Fussell

Didn't think it was possible? Just wait until that first "Love you, Mommy!"

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12 Don't Feel Guilty About Needing "Me" Time

Image Source: Flickr user Ed Yourdon

You deserve it. Those hobbies and people that defined you preparenthood will save your sanity now that you're a mom.

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13 Don't Neglect Your Relationship

Image Source: Flickr user Vincent Hu

Your attentions will both be focused elsewhere once kids enter the picture — but don't forget that in the beginning, it was just the two of you.

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14 Get to Know YOUR Baby

Image Source: Flickr user S.Raj

He's one of a kind, and so are his needs.

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