PARENTAL ADVICE, HELPING BABY TO SLEEP, GIVING BIRTH

Parental advice, helping baby to sleep, giving birth, potty training and bringing up baby and how to deal with toddler tantrums

Another point us mums agree on, staying at home or being full time at work is not for all, neither is part time but it is often the best solution.

You may have to re-route your skills, you may have to compromise your earnings, either way being able to juggle school run, holidays, dentist appointments, sickness - amongst all other things - for the best part of 10 years, is not easy.

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Bringing up a child is a full time job, then there's your husband and house to look after - are you really going to find enough hours in the day for office working too - that's almost 4 jobs. Are you superhuman? You might start supersized, but slow down now otherwise you will 'peak too early' as they say these days.

Warning - you can break the glass ceiling, manage a large department and broker a multi £million deal but try and reason with a toddler. It will take tact, love, attention, bartering - yes bribery too. And none will assure you of success.

PARENTAL ADVICE

You may be cross and frustrated at times, but sorry that is how it is. Exhausted, you realise this is possibly the time to return to work. You'll question your new life and realise as much as you love that new babe, the new life accompanying it is a million miles away from your nest at the office. And life there was so much easier.

Whilst your life has changed, you are working towards children to be proud of. Drive and patience will play a part. They are not a radio you can turn off. Sleep for both of you is very important. Crying will jade you. You realise now what your mother meant when she said 'you are repaid in other ways'. Trying to have a bath, wee and be out of pyjamas by Noon is not going to be easy when you are trying to rock a baby to sleep.

You will become a better person and less selfish. You may be creating another scene of your own childhood to enjoy again. If you let this new life embrace you - it can be fun and release the inner child in you. Yes it is hard work and tiring and financially very tough. Your time is never your own but then again it is your child. Would you want someone else leaving a mark on your territory?

Think ahead. The school playground will bring out the most competitive of parents. Peer group pressure is felt from day one.

Choose child care suppliers with morals and rules to match your own. A sleepover at granny's house is not just a night off for you, but fun for granny and a treat for your little one.

Start reading to them early. 2008 is the National Year of Reading in England, and a reflection of how little today's schoolchildren enjoy reading for pleasure. Read to them daytime, sing to them at bedtime. The smile on their face when they recognise you, your voice, and your hug is so rewarding. It will repay you bucket loads when they thrive.

Having your first baby

Parental advice, helping baby to sleep, giving birth, potty training and bringing up baby and how to deal with toddler tantrums