Every mum or dad wants the best for their daughter when she’s expecting a baby. And while it may be tempting to impart every last bit of knowledge that you’ve gleaned while raising your own children, it’s easy to overstep the mark and turn into a pushy parent yourself.
So what’s the best way to be of assistance in the lead up to your grandchild’s birth? Here’s how to best support your daughter during her pregnancy.
Do ask how you can help
“It’s hard to know what people actually need, especially when pregnant as it is such a personal time,” says Eliza Flynn, pre and postnatal fitness expert.
“So instead of guessing and risking treading on your daughter’s toes, open up a line of communication that allows you to fully support her during this time rather than making her feel like you are overwhelming her with information.”
Read: Lessons from parents that never get old
Don’t offer unsolicited advice
Though often well-intended, pregnant women are bombarded with opinions and advice, not only from family members, but colleagues, friends and even strangers too.
Every pregnancy is different, so while offering general advice and answering any questions your daughter may have should be well-received, it’s important not to push your thoughts and experiences onto them. Try to avoid comparing your experience with hers. Sharing your experience is helpful but avoid saying that your advice or experience is better.
Do lend a listening ear
From the first trimester through to labour, pregnancy can be difficult both physically and emotionally.
Your daughter may be worried about the birth itself, concerned around what the pandemic could mean for her labour or could even be having a confidence crisis about her mothering abilities, so try to check in and see how she’s feeling as the weeks progress.
It’s important to make time for your daughter to ensure that you are there to listen to whatever worries she may have so that you can provide her with some much-needed reassurance and support.
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Don’t judge her choices
When it comes to someone else’s pregnancy, the old ‘mother knows best’ adage does not apply – even when it’s your own daughter.
“You might have ‘been there, done that’, but it’s important for your daughter to find her own way,” says Ms Flynn. “Parenting and general lifestyle has changed a great deal and what was right for you, might not be for someone else.”
Try to support your daughter with whatever she chooses. Whether it’s unique baby names or her preference between a caesarean or a water birth, it’s imperative that you don’t judge your daughter’s own personal choices.
How you think she should handle her pregnancy isn’t necessarily the right thing for her, so be sensitive when it comes to giving advice. Empower her to be confident in her own choices.
Do give her some space
“Pregnancy can be an incredibly overwhelming time and I’m sure you’d rather reduce stress and anxiety rather than add to it,” Ms Flynn says, so be mindful of that when getting in touch with your daughter.
“Try not to expect immediate answers to messages, and don’t take it personally if your phone calls go unanswered or they hang up on you – you might have called at the wrong time.”
And remember that her mood might fluctuate. During pregnancy, our hormones change and this can affect our emotions in different ways. One day we may feel delighted, and the next we may feel insecure.
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Don’t post on social media without permission
You may be dying to show off your beautiful new grandchild for all the world to see, but remember that not all parents might be comfortable with pictures of their newborn being shared.
“Don’t share details or post photos on social media or with others unless given permission. While these might be your grandchildren, you must respect the parents’ right to what they post, for security and safety reasons, as well as personal,” says Ms Flynn.
– With PA
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