Day 13: Getting in a Rhythm at Home

31 Letters to the New Mom of a Child with Spina Bifida

Day 13: Getting in a Rhythm at Home

Dear Momma,

When you first come home with your new baby, things will seem chaotic.  It ‘s just like bringing home any baby, there will be nighttime feedings, diapers to change and regular doctor visits.  Now add to that other concerns, specialist appointments, insurance paperwork and if you have other children their schedules, dinner to make, toilets to clean and clothes to wash. 
Don’t be stressed, just know that your life is what it is right now and do what you can.  In the meantime here are 7 things you can do to help create a “family rhythm” when you get home.  I wish I could take credit for that phrase “Family Rhythm” but I can’t, I found it at a wonderful blog by a lady named Kelly http://www.imperfecthomemaking.com/2012/01/creating-family-rhythm.html Check it out. 

1.       Accept help when it is offered.

2.       Enlist the help of Grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends to develop a plan for emergencies.

3.       Have a plan for your other children for when you have to be gone to appointments.  Our 2 boys know where they will be staying when we have to leave for a 4 hour trip to see Jaycie’s Neurosurgeon.  They also know that I will be there to get them off the bus when Jaycie has therapy. 

4.       Have a back-up for your plan.

5.       Think ahead and plan in advance.  If you know your child has appointments 3 days out of the week then do not plan to cook huge meals on those nights.  Right now you have to do what is right for you and your family.  By taking a few minutes each week to plan ahead you can relieve a lot of stress.  

6.       Give your kids simple 3 step routines throughout the day.  You might be pleasantly surprised to find their beds made and room cleaned from a simple 3 step process.  My boys have 3 things to do when they first walk through the door after school.  Homework, empty lunch boxes and lay out their clothes for tomorrow.  Those simple things save us so much time later.

7.       Be flexible.  Appointments change, snow days happen and laundry will pile up!  You have to tackle what you can, enlist the help of others (spouse, kids) and let go of what you can’t change right now.

With Love,

Sherry