While the initial excitement about being the new mommy lasts, you may be in a whirl to do it all for your little one. More than one of us would have felt that urge to do everything humanly possible and beyond, for your little one, all by yourself.
Reasons:
- You don’t trust another with your baby. Of course! How can they know how precious your little one is for you?
- How can someone else know what your baby needs and wants?
- Lest should the baby grow more fond of that other person.
You couldn’t be more wrong here dear mommy. The counter arguments:
- They needn’t be strangers. Solution :Grandparents?? Your baby will be their grandchild! One step more! Your baby is precious, for them as much as for you.
- They have had you or your husband. They knew it then, they will know it better now!
- A mom is a mom. Irreplaceable. Period. Noone will find more space in your baby’s heart than you.
You could come up with a millions reasons to avoid help. But after the initial hu-haa fades off, you realize that you and your baby need other people to survive the ordeal.
I am not talking about strangers you hire to help you with your baby. I am talking about family.
Despite all your differences, you must encourage your parents and in-laws to visit and help you with your baby.
Why? Because the love your baby gets from extended family is far more vital than you think it is.
I have realized with Dhruv that his grandmother and he share a special bond. She has grown to be such a strong support for him, someone he can confide in. The way he feels pampered and connected with her is one-off.
Of course I have had my tiff with her, but over time we have realized the we both have a different but special bond in our own rights, with Dhruv.
There is no need to fight for mind space. There is enough room for everyone in a child’s brain.
So while the discipline and love of a mom cannot be replaced, we must realize that the love of a grandparent can’t be replaced too.
Do not deprive your baby of that love, you can clearly set the rules and request the grandparents to abide by it. They maybe defiant initially, but they will grow into it.
They will acknowledge that they are not the parents but the grandparents and parents get to make the rules.
Give them a chance. Let them bond. It will be the best thing you can give your baby!