Pregnancy can be a very exciting time in any women’s life. It can be full of some very difficult times as well. From raging hormones to the morning sickness. Pregnancy can be exhausting when you are a first time mum. But when it comes to baby number two things get even more harder.
Unlike the first pregnancy, this time you have another little human to care for as well. Being pregnant while caring for a toddler can be a crazy experience. Believe me when I say I know, I have done it three times. That is why I thought it would be a good idea to pass on what I have experienced to others about being pregnant while caring for a toddler. Or who are already pregnant while caring for a toddler or two.
Here are 8 Secrets To Survive Pregnancy With A Toddler
1 ~ Accept That You Can’t Do Everything
No matter how hard you try you wont be able to do everything and that is OK. You don’t need to stress yourself out trying to get everything done. Before you where pregnant you might have taken you child out to the park or on walks. You might have had a tidy, clean and organised home. Now you are pregnant you will have a lot more to deal with so don’t get upset over the small stuff.
2 ~ Go To The Park/Play Center
My local play centers where a lifesaver when I was pregnant. I could let my kids play and tire themselves out in a safe area, while I sat down and supervise. They could interact with other children and socialize while I got to sneak in a little bit of me time with some mummy friends. By the time I went home my little toddler/s where happy and ready for a nap.
3 ~ Consider Daycare
If your toddler isn’t already in childcare/daycare take some time to consider this as an option. Not only will it give you a break but also gives your toddler a way to interact with other children. You will also find your toddler will burn off a while heap of energy while learning new things. Family day care or childcare can be great for both you and your toddler/s.
4 ~ Rest
You might think I am joking here. It’s not like your first pregnancy after all. This time you have a toddler running around that you have to worry about. Well I am not joking. Your pregnant and still need some rest. If your toddler still has naps, then why not nap when they are. If your toddler doesn’t nap anymore then you can still rest. Rest doesn’t necessarily mean sleep. Why not cuddle up on the couch and watch a movie or read a couple of books. Rest can simple mean just to sit down and have some quiet time a couple of times a day.
5 ~ Ask For Help
Toddlers are handfuls so don’t be afraid to ask for help. You are not a bad mum if you need a break from your toddler every once in a while. Especially in the third trimester when your belly is getting bigger and you toddler act like a little crazy child with no chill. Ask if they can have play dates at friends houses or maybe a sleep over at the grandparents. If you have siblings see if they wouldn’t mind taking their niece/nephew to the park for a couple of hours. Asking for help can be hard but when your pregnant you can become exhausted very quickly, nobody will think bad of you if you ask for a break from your toddler.
6 ~ Don’t Stress Over The Housework
You will find your do everything a little slower when you are pregnant. So don’t stress over the housework. The house work can wait if until you feel able to do it. if you feel like you are not getting as much done as you would like, don’t worry too much. Just do what you can, when you can and then have a rest.
7 ~ Allow Some “Me Time”
When you have children making time to have to yourself is important. I know it is hard to find the extra time when you have children, but “me time” allows you to reset. This allows you to be a better parent, partner and person. Me time could be getting your hair done or just having a relaxing bath after the kids are in bed. Even being able to run errands kid free can be me time when you’re a busy mum. Find a way to make some time just for you.
8 ~ Let Your Significant Other Help Out
I am so very lucky to have a helpful partner. He was ready to help me out when I need it. Lucky for me he is a very active father who loves to spend time with our little ones. Let me tell you I didn’t realise how much he was involved with the daily care of our kids until I was pregnant. Even though he spent his whole day working he would come home and cook, clean and even get the kids off to bed. He would take the kids out on the weekend if I needed a break. I would have been lost without him. Hopefully your significant other will realise how much you need their help and support while you are pregnant. If they don’t then sit down and explain how much you need them to help you. Let them know just how much you would appreciate it.
There it is, my secrets to survive pregnancy with a toddler. If you enjoyed this post then why not read some of my others.
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