What I Wish I Knew: A Letter to New Parents and Happy Hues Nurturers
Eunique Jones GibsonDear New Parents and Caregivers,
First off, congratulations on your little one! I'm Eunique Jones Gibson, founder of The Happy Hues Company and mother of three wonderful children. At Happy Hues, we're on a mission to help nurture happy and healthy babies, inside and out. That's why I like to think of all of us as Happy Hues Nurturers.
My parenting journey spans 16 years, with my oldest now a teenager and my youngest still in elementary school. Through it all, I've learned a few things about the joys and challenges of raising children (and parents but that’s a different story for another day). Today, I want to share some heartfelt truths I wish someone had told me when I was in your shoes.
So, grab a cup of tea (or cold coffee – let's be for real), and let's chat.
1.Your body is amazing, regardless of how it looks
Have you seen those Instagram posts showing celebrities "bouncing back" mere weeks after giving birth? Forget them. Your body just performed a miracle, and it needs time to heal and adjust. Those stretch marks? Battle scars of love. That softer tummy? A cushion for your baby to cuddle. As someone who's been through this three times, trust me when I say: embrace your new body with pride and patience.
2. It's okay to not love every moment
Here's something folks rarely say out loud: not every moment of parenthood is Instagram-worthy. There will be days when you're drowning in dirty diapers, feeling overwhelmed, and questioning your sanity. And that's perfectly normal. Loving your children doesn't mean loving every second of parenthood. Cut yourself some slack and remember: this too shall pass. I've been there with each of my kids, and I promise it gets better.
3. Trust your instincts (but accept help)
You'll be bombarded with advice from well-meaning family, friends, and even random strangers. While some tips might be helpful, remember that you know your baby best even though you’re new to each other. Trust your gut. At the same time, don't be afraid to ask for help. It truly does take a village, and accepting support doesn't make you any less of a super parent or provider. This balance of trusting myself while leaning on others has been crucial in my journey as a mom of three.
4. Self-care isn't selfish
In the whirlwind of caring for your little one, it's easy to forget about yourself. But remember: you can't pour from an empty cup. Taking time for a shower, a quick nap, or even just five minutes of quiet time locked in your bathroom isn't selfish – it's necessary. A happy, recharged parent means a happier baby. This realization is part of what inspired me to start The Happy Hues Company – to support parents in taking care of themselves too.
5. Comparison is the thief of joy
Every baby is unique, and so is every parenting journey. Your friend's baby might be sleeping through the night at two months, while yours is still up yaba daba doo’ing every two hours. That's okay! Milestones aren't a race. Focus on your own path and celebrate your baby's individual progress. With my kids being four years apart, I've learned firsthand how vastly different each child's journey can be. And to let them exist independent of the other.
6. The days are long, but the years are short
In the thick of sleepless nights and endless diaper changes, it might feel like this stage will last forever. But trust me, one day you'll blink, and your little ole baby will be taking their first steps, then starting school, and before you know it, learning to drive or ignoring your text messages (yes, I'm there already with my oldest!). Cherish the little moments – the midnight cuddles, the toothless grins, the way they fit perfectly in your arms. These are the memories you'll strive to remember, so enjoy them, treasure them and store them in a safe place by being present.
7. You're doing better than you think
Doubt is a constant companion in parenthood. Am I doing this right? Am I enough? The answer is yes. The very fact that you're worrying about being a good parent proves that you already are one. You've got this! Even after three kids, I still have moments of doubt, but I'm constantly learning to trust in my abilities as a parent.
8. Parenthood will change your relationship
Your partnership might face new challenges as you navigate this major life change together. Come closer… Communication. Is. Key. Make time for each other, even if it's just a few minutes of conversation after the baby is asleep. Remember, you're a team. My husband and I have found that keeping our connection strong makes us better parents too.
9. It's okay to have different parenting styles
You and your partner might approach certain aspects of parenting differently, and that's fine. Find a balance that works for your family, and remember that having diverse approaches can actually benefit your child. In our household, we've learned to blend our styles to create a parenting approach that's uniquely ours. Do my parents agree with it? Nope! But it works for us. This is your opportunity to explore what works for you.
Remember, there's no such thing as a perfect parent, but there are millions of perfect moments in parenthood. Embrace the mess, the tears (both yours and the baby's), and the indescribable joy. You're embarking on the most challenging and rewarding role of your lives.
Welcome to the community of Happy Hues Nurturers. We're all in this together, and at The Happy Hues Company, we're here to support you every step of the way in nurturing happy and healthy babies, inside and out.
