Toddlers are seemingly infinite sources of energy. They are in constant motion, and demand that you keep up with their activity, their changing focuses, and their numerous questions. When you’re pregnant, you may find that nausea and exhaustion prevent you from being the supermom you were before. Remember to give yourself a break and allow yourself to rest, even with a young child underfoot.
- Does your toddler demand that every second he spends on the floor, stacking Duplos or driving cars into his stuffed animals, you must play along? Begin to encourage him to play independently. It’s a skill that will allow his creativity and imagination to flourish, and it will give you some precious time to rest, have a snack, or spend time with your partner.
- Feel free to lower your standards. The dishes will pile up in the sink. The laundry might start to creep out of the top of the hamper. The vacuum may collect dust. That’s OK. Don’t hold yourself or your home to the standard you held to before you had children. Let things slide just a bit in order to allow yourself to rest and relax.
- Take a break, even for just a few hours. Your childcare center may have preschool, toddler, or infant room teachers who are interested in picking up a few hours babysitting. Schedule some time for some self care so that when you come home, dinner and bath time won’t feel like the finishing line of a marathon.
- Your partner may not understand how exhausted you are. Point out where they can step up their game by doing a load of laundry, making dinner, or taking your child out to the playground while you nap.
- Remember that this is not forever. One day, the nausea will subside, your newborn will sleep longer stretches, and you will adjust to your new normal with two children. This period of time is overwhelming, but temporary.
If you have more than one child, what do you remember about pregnancy with your second or third? If you found some especially helpful coping mechanisms, please tell us about them in the comments section!