Coping tips

Over the past few weeks Edward has been teething and suffering from a cold/cough. This has been tough on us all because he hasn't been sleeping and feeding very well. When you're in the middle of a tough time it seems to last forever, and it's hard to imagine things ever being different. The house starts to look dirty around the edges because I didn't have the time to clean the kitchen floor/wash the sink, and in between Edward sleeping I didn't have the energy to start cleaning. I've had to carry Edward every where because he wouldn't be put down and has been constantly moaning, which I know is because he's been in pain. It's horrible to think that my baby is suffering and there is nothing I can do to stop the pain, I felt so helpless. I also felt that we had lost some of our connection, I couldn't wait to hand him over at the end of the day, which sounds a terrible thing to say about my own child.

Here are a few tips I have picked up along the way on how to cope when things get tough.

• Don't plan anything, then you won't feel disappointed if nothing gets achieved.
• Let go of the house work. House work can wait, even if it's getting really bad.
• Wear your baby in a sling, if you can.
• Email a sympathetic friend. I am really lucky to have a few good friends living relatively close by and they are a god send when things get tough.
• Go for a walk, things feel much better after some fresh air.
• Have a cup of tea.

Luckily this weekend we've had a breakthrough and Edward has had a good couple of days, which allows me to realize that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We've started to reconnect again and properly play with each other, I've actually enjoyed his company for the first time in weeks. I don't think his teething has properly ended, I suspect the pain comes in waves, but I almost need to give myself permission to let go of the house work and ask for help when it's needed. Here is another link that has inspired me Authentic parenting