What would you tell your younger self?

[PeachyMama]

I'm a first time mum to a 4 month old who is the light of my life but I have been struggling with my mental health since he was born (due to things like the big lifestyle change, having no time to myself, sleep deprivation, feeling like I've lost myself, no social life etc). And with the 4 month sleep regression just starting I'm struggling to feel positive with the months of sleepless nights likely to be ahead.

I was thinking that when he's older I'll probably look back on these times and wish I could tell myself it's all going to be ok in the end!!

Got me thinking, parents of older children/teens etc, what advice/wisdom would you tell your younger self struggling with a baby?

My DC aren't even that old yet (4 & 1)

- For a lot of stuff: It's not for that long, in the grand scheme of things it's not that long. Feel like it at the time but it's a blip.

- Don't worry about doing the normal thing like everyone else, the normal thing might not suit you or the kid. Make peace with doing what works even if it's not what most people do

"this is temporary"

"you are not raising a baby: you a raising a tiny human. Tiny humans struggle to do things and that is how they learn to be grown up humans"

When your eldest leaves home at 25 they will contact you at 3am - always 3am when they are very very drunk to tell you they love you.
this text will keep you up all night worrying if they will have gotten home ok because once only once, when they lived at home they got really pissed, fell over on the common and kind stranger stayed with them till the paramedics arrived and they called you at 3am and gave them a lift home at 4am now all you can think of is whether this will happen again

Babies are portable. Make the most of it!

People will judge you based on a snapshot of your life. Don't let them get to you.

This too shall pass.

Keep on doing your best. Don’t be made to feel bad by other people who seem to have their shit together and find parenting effortless.

Be kind to yourself. You’re doing a great job.