Stress-Busting Tips for New Moms

Raising a child is no easy feat, and the first few years of life are full of so many developmental milestones (and potential pitfalls) that it can be tough to take the pragmatic approach. But if you're feeling the pressure, take a load off. We've tapped some seasoned moms for their absolute best advice. So, here's to the Year of the Less-Stressed Mom.

"Heed the only useful piece of advice for a new mom: sleep when the baby sleeps. Any other advice, just say, 'I'll keep that in mind,' or 'I'll consider that,' then let it go out the other ear and do what's right for your family."

-Mariana, Kingston in Ontario, Canada; mother of kids ages 3, and 7 months

"Let your kids take the lead. Whenever I find myself getting stressed about when and how my child will meet another milestone, if I wait a little longer, she ends up making steps towards something new without any real work from me. Why fight her on weaning, potty training or eating spinach when she usually ends up figuring each new step on her own!"

-Lane, Nikko, Tochigi, Japan; mother of one daughter, age 2

"Having a lactation consultant come to my home the first week was the among the best $200 I’ve spent. It's overwhelming to capture all the information in the hospital, and many of us need extra help, training, and tips. Also, if you enjoy having the baby sleep on you, don't listen to people who warn you about "spoiling." Enjoy every snuggly second because it's over in a flash."

-Lisa, New York; mother of daughter, age 2

"Teach your child early on to ask for attention. When you see bad behavior, stop what you are doing and say to your child, ‘It looks like you need some attention. Can you ask me for attention?’ Then when they do, give the child attention right then and there. Usually it’s something fast and much less stressful than correcting bad behavior. [My daughter] still asks for attention when she needs it."

-Andrea, Charlotte, Mich.; mother of a daughter, age 20

"Let children be children. Enjoy the age they are at. They will grow up fast, so don't waste the time by worrying about what they are or are not doing right, or if they're developing at the same pace as their peers."

-Rachel, Panajachel, Guatemala; mother of five kids, ages 10, 8, 7, 6 and 2

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"Give your child choices from the time they are old enough to point or grab. There is no need to have a battle of the wills. Offer two appropriate choices, and the child will feel empowered and be more cooperative because they become a partner in the decisions."

-Shani, Kansas City, Mo.; mother of three kids, ages 22, 17 and 16

"The girls had to eat as many bites as years they were old. This worked well so that they tried new foods without having to clean their plate! One of my daughters was a finicky eater, and I set the timer for her to finish her meal in a reasonable amount of time.

-Sue, Brighton, Mich.; mother of two daughters, ages 17 and 14

"Embrace your imperfections. The best mom is the imperfect one: someone who shows her vulnerabilities and is not afraid to make mistakes. Loving your mistakes takes the pressure off of Mom and off of the children."

-Barb, Scottsdale, Ariz.; mother of four, ages 36, 33, 31 and 26

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"Ask yourself. Will things be easier and more successful if I bring a cooler with snacks? Forego certain things if she isn't rested enough? Go over rules and choices before going shopping or visiting a friend? Have an extra blankie on hand? Bring a couple of easy toys to occupy her? If she needs predictability, maintain a consistent routine whenever possible. If she resistant to change, uneasy with new experiences and new people, or entering into a new event or activity, let her know what the plans [are] and what to expect. If she does better earlier or later in the day, plan accordingly when possible. Plan on having a good time together."

-Sue, Encino, Calif.; mother of two girls, ages 27 and 23

"No need to stress about your kids playing sports! Truth is, experts don't recommend that kids play organized sports with rules and score keeping until they're well into elementary school. So as long as your kid is having fun, that's what counts! The best thing to do is to expose him to different activities to get his gross motor skills, balance, agility and cardio going. And just because your kid can't dribble in soccer or make a basket doesn't mean that his/her sports future is doomed. Remember, Michael Jordan got cut from his high school basketball team!"

-Larysa, New York; mother of two kids, ages 12 and 9

"One of the biggest mistakes I made when I first started out in motherhood was trying to squeeze in work while I was with the kids. I found that I made mistakes and was short-tempered with my children if they distracted me. It did not work out for any of us. Now, I have babysitter help in the mornings until about noon every day and that is 100 percent my time to work on my business. After those morning hours, the time belongs to my three children. I don't answer the phone, I don't check emails, I don't send texts. The time that I designate to work is divided in my mind, which helps me work smarter and mother better."

-Michelle, Saratoga, Calif.; mother of three kids, ages 7, 5 and 1

"When you are frustrated at another kid and her parent, keep in mind that karma comes back. One day you will be the parent of the jerk. At some point, our kids will make us all pariahs. Have grace."

-Lyz, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; mother of a daughter, age 1

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