Guest Post by Randy Thom, Systematic Art

Knowing what to expect when you become a new parent is next to impossible and the sleepless nights of those first few years are going to make effective parenting something you feel is far out of your abilities. That doesn't mean you're failing as a parent, though, and it's important to realize that making mistakes is a part of the process. It will help you have an idea of some effective tips to take advantage of as a new parent.

One of the most important parenting tips for new parents is to simply expect stress as you transition from a childless person to a parent. There's going to be a lot of it and you have to be capable of dealing with it. It shouldn't be taken as a sign of failure when your planning falls through and your stress levels rise.

Be sure to Accept Help from Others

Knowing how to keep a newborn baby healthy and safe isn't going to be enough to feel like you're doing everything you possibly can for your new child. You're never going to be able to do it all on your own and that's why it's so important that you decide to accept help whenever it's being offered. There are friends and family members who can relieve you of some of the stress and that will make a world of difference to you.

It’s going to shock you when you realize just how important a single hour of sleep can be to your health and mood when you’re deprived in the first place. Letting someone else take over for that hour will allow you to rest comfortably while knowing that everything is perfectly fine. Once you decide to accept help, you’ll be able to become a much more effective parent to your child.

Believe in your Parenting Skills

No matter how difficult and stressful things get, you can always believe in your parenting skills as you raise your child. No one can do it as well as you and it's something to be proud of.

Don’t focus on the times when you’re exhausted and can’t quite make the best decisions. Those moments are a part of life that will never go anywhere, no matter how old or experienced you become. Enjoy the good times, let people help, and believe in yourself, no matter what happens along the way.