Changes in routine can throw kids for a loop, which can lead to irritability, low frustration tolerance, or shifts in mood and behavior. Add in family gatherings with more people than usual, extra noise, music, smells, lights, and endless socializing… and it’s a recipe for overstimulation. So for everyone’s sanity, here’s a simple, realistic plan to help. (AKA: How to keep the meltdowns to a minimum and the magic intact)

Every new parent gets advice, often from people who mean well. But when you’re running on no sleep, hormones, and the responsibility of caring for a tiny human, even gentle suggestions can hit like criticism. Here are four ways to protect your confidence as a new parent (even if you don't feel confident yet).

It’s 8:35 a.m. You need to be out the door by 8:45 to make the 8:55 school drop-off. You asked your child to get dressed 15 minutes ago. You walk into their room, and there they are: sitting on the floor in their underwear, building a 400-piece LEGO set like they’ve got all the time in the world. You can feel yourself short-circuiting, steam practically billowing out of your ears. What can you do?