 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
A Simple Little Parenting Tip:
Helping a Family with a Newborn
by John Perrodin
First: listen. Whether you're asking how the baby is doing or
offering to bring meals, take the time to honestly hear your
friends. If they don't want meals, don't force them. If they do,
get a list of what they and other children like, and stick to
simple, basic comfort foods. Don't provide pans or serving
trays that must be washed and returned. Invest in some
giveaway food storage containers. When it comes to clean-up,
they'll be most grateful.
Speaking of gifts, presents for the baby are a delight, but don't
expect exuberance from stressed parents who are first and
foremost worried about their tiny bundle. Be sensitive to their
stress and exhaustion. Know when it's time to go.
A note of encouragement or a quick call to let you know you're
thinking of them are much appreciated distractions. Bring a
fresh-cut flower from the garden or offer a gift certificate for
Chinese or pizza take-out. Anything that breaks the routine and
offers hope of one day returning to "normal" is welcome.
Another big way you can pitch in is to take older kids to the
park, library or maybe a movie. This gives the parents a few
moments alone to talk and rest. See if there's a way to offer
practical assistance, then make specific plans as to when you'll
do it.
Before you visit, please call and set up a time. If you or anyone
in your family has been sick, suggest that you come at another
time. Your willingness to be oversensitive to the new little one
and his parents is one of the best gifts you can give.
Helping a Family with a Newborn
by John Perrodin
First: listen. Whether you're asking how the baby is doing or
offering to bring meals, take the time to honestly hear your
friends. If they don't want meals, don't force them. If they do,
get a list of what they and other children like, and stick to
simple, basic comfort foods. Don't provide pans or serving
trays that must be washed and returned. Invest in some
giveaway food storage containers. When it comes to clean-up,
they'll be most grateful.
Speaking of gifts, presents for the baby are a delight, but don't
expect exuberance from stressed parents who are first and
foremost worried about their tiny bundle. Be sensitive to their
stress and exhaustion. Know when it's time to go.
A note of encouragement or a quick call to let you know you're
thinking of them are much appreciated distractions. Bring a
fresh-cut flower from the garden or offer a gift certificate for
Chinese or pizza take-out. Anything that breaks the routine and
offers hope of one day returning to "normal" is welcome.
Another big way you can pitch in is to take older kids to the
park, library or maybe a movie. This gives the parents a few
moments alone to talk and rest. See if there's a way to offer
practical assistance, then make specific plans as to when you'll
do it.
Before you visit, please call and set up a time. If you or anyone
in your family has been sick, suggest that you come at another
time. Your willingness to be oversensitive to the new little one
and his parents is one of the best gifts you can give.