5 Ways to Be Supportive to the New Parents in Your Life
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Beyond the baby blankets and booties, some of the most significant gifts that a new parent can receive are those that can't be found in a store. Whether the new parents on your radar are colleagues, lifelong friends, or neighbors, there are ways that you can make a meaningful difference in their transition to parenthood.
Maybe your comfort zone is showing affection, or perhaps it's spending time in the kitchen — however you show support, these tried-and-true gestures go beyond the standard to convey compassion and celebrate the new arrival in a meaningful way. Keep reading for five suggestions to show your support that will go a long way.
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Rephrase Your Offer of Help
It can be tough — and even awkward — for some people to accept offers of help from friends and family. Rather than a vague "Is there anything we can do for you?" question, reframe what you're saying. "I'm going to drop off dinner tonight, unless there's another night that would be better for you" is a lot harder to turn down!
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Feed Them, and Feed Them Well
One of the most generous gifts you can give new parents is arranging a Meal Train for them. If you're not already familiar, this smart site allows you to set up a schedule for friends, family, and neighbors to cook (or order) meals for a family who could use the extra support. As mentioned in the previous slide, accepting this kind of help may be tough for some people to agree to, but go on and insist (respectfully). Not having to worry about what's for dinner night after night with a newborn is a priceless gift.
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Hold the Baby. That's It!
Pandemic life may have put a pause on the ease of snuggling a friend's newborn, but if everyone's comfortable with the situation and masks and vaccine philosophies are agreed upon, just giving the new parent a few moments of hands-free freedom is a liberating and rare gift.
Give them time to take a shower in peace, lay down for 30 minutes, go for a solo stroll, or whatever it is that they're missing most.
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Think of the "Other" Baby
If the new parents have a pet or are welcoming a second (or third) baby, consider giving the older sibling — canine or human — some individualized attention. Adding a new baby to the family isn't just tough on the parents, it's an adjustment for the entire household. Take the dog for an outing to the park, or the toddler to the zoo. Knowing that everyone in the home is getting special attention, not just the newborn, will be a major relief to the new parents.
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Be Direct, and Ask the Same of Them
Communicate to your friend with the new baby that you're there for them, regardless of what they need or when they need it. Check in regularly, and ask that they promise to be open with you if there's anything that can be done to make this transitional phase easier. You don't have to hover, but a simple text or phone call now and again can go a long way.
Just knowing that someone else "gets it" and understands that parenthood can include moments of unparalleled bliss and those of sheer distress (sometimes in the same day!) will be incredibly comforting.