“Andy, it doesn’t matter how old your son is, ALWAYS tell him you love him, make him feel loved and always find time to spend with him.”
“Always stick to the schedule and structure. Don’t negotiate with terrorists. And, most importantly, don’t take unsolicited parenting advice. There is no perfect child nor no perfect parent.”
“Take as many photos as you can and print them so they are in a book. Nowadays we don’t print photos, which I think will be a huge void down the road. Also, enjoy every moment, as time goes by so fast!”
“I think that when you become a new parent you need to be prepared to be patient. Because there’s all kinds of things that you thought you knew and you thought you were prepared for, the way the baby shows up, you’re like oh. I mean things are going to come at you that you didn’t quite expect. You take it and roll with it. I think he’s so ready for this.”
“I always say you get out of your kids what you put into them. Andy is ready to take on parenting. Just from seeing how happy he is, I can tell he’s going to be an amazing dad.”
“Never let that baby in your bed. It’ll be the beginning of the end. No matter how cute they are, no matter how tired you are, no matter how easy it’ll be to bring them in your bed, don’t do it. Because once they’re in, next thing you know, you have a 6-year-old staring at you!”
“I have three pieces of parenting advice. The first, and most important is, never use the word ‘No.’ Parents get so much in the habit of using the word no. And it’s not, ‘No, don’t touch this’ or ‘No, stay away from that.’ Instead you say, ‘If you touch this, you will hurt yourself.’ Always tell them why. Also, don’t do all that baby talk — Andy should always speak to Benjamin as if he’s an adult. And as he gets older, give Benjamin choices of something. It makes him feel like they have a little more control.”
“If you want to know how to be a good parent, ask a kid. They have the best advice. Who better than a kid to tell you what you did right or wrong.”
“I know you’re a hard worker, and I get it, but please believe me that the baby years are so precious. Try to soak up every last minute of it!”
“All my advice is practical! If Benjamin is crying, say, ‘Shhh’ loudly right ino his ear over and over. That stiumlates the sound of the womb. If Benjamin is teethin, put water on a baby washcloth and place it in the freezer. The baby can chew on the frozen material to sooth his gums. If Benjamin has colic, put some gripe water in his bottle.”
“Call in sick some days, just to be with your boy. But also, always remember to take time for yourself.”
“The most important thing I have learned about parenting is how powerful it is to be fully present when you are with your child. Children want to feel seen and loved by the most important people in their lives, their parents.”
“Never feel guilty or be afraid to ask for help, even if it’s just to take a nap. Sleepless nights or interrupted sleep are tough! A rested parent is a better parent. Taking care of yourself is ultimately taking care of your baby.”
“It’s okay to spoil your kids with material things in moderation, but it’s especially important to spoil them with your love, physical contact (lots of hugs and kisses), and attention In abundance! Actions speak louder than toys so make sure to be present (no pun intended) and be there for them, no matter what! You’ve got this!”
“My favorite piece of parenting advice is, ‘When it gets hard or you feel overwhelmed, remember that the days are long but the years are short.’ When you think about it that way you’re able to embrace everything, all the messy parts and the crying and fuss, because you realize how quickly it all goes by. With two sets of twins, and having had four kids in diapers at the same time, that quote always stayed in my head and helped my smile through the craziest time.”
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