Ep.12 The Village We Build: Enlisting Your Support System for New Parenthood

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Ever feel like you're juggling a million things as a new parent? Imagine if you had an entire village to help lighten the load. In this episode of Instructions Not Included, we're breaking down the essential steps to build a robust support network that can transform your parenting experience. From listing everyone who might lend a hand to understanding your specific needs, we guide you through creating a community that rallies around you when you need it most. We emphasize that asking for help doesn’t show weakness—it shows strength and humanity. 

We also explore the emotional and practical benefits of a strong support system, highlighting how it can reduce stress, boost confidence, and provide much-needed emotional support. We challenge dads to think about who they can count on beyond their partner and what specific tasks they could use help with during the newborn phase. Not to forget, we discuss the importance of reciprocity and showing gratitude to those who assist you. Join us as we uncover how to make sure you’re not alone on this incredible journey of parenthood, creating a nurturing environment for your whole family.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome back to Instructions Not Included,
episode 12.
Today we're talking about thevillage we build, enlisting your
support system for newparenthood.
Let's get it.

Speaker 2 (00:23):
Yeah, this dang car life doesn't come with a manual,
it doesn't come with a way togo.
We'll see you next time.
Yeah, you can stretch.
I swear right now, like Jay-Z,the blueprint.
Ooh, now let me play one.

Speaker 1 (00:56):
Welcome back parents.
Today, on Instructions NotIncluded, we're talking about
the importance of building asupport network around your
family, about the importance ofbuilding a support network
around your family.
Parenthood can be overwhelming,but having a strong support
system can make all thedifference.
Let's get real parenthood is afull-time job and sometimes it
feels like you're jugglingmillions of things at once.

(01:17):
That's why building a supportsystem is crucial.
Think of it like assemblingyour own little village, ready
to rally around you when youneed it most.
Here's the deal.
Building your village isn'tabout being lazy or passing the
buck.
It's about recognizing thatyou're in this together and

(01:38):
sometimes you need a helpinghand just to keep things afloat.
So how do you build yourvillage?
Well, let's break it down.
Number one start with a list.
Make a list of everyone whomight be able to help.
Think family, friends,coworkers, neighbors and even
local support groups andservices that can help lighten

(02:01):
the load.
Number two know your needs.
Figure out exactly what kind ofsupport you need.
Is it childcare, is it a choreor an errand, meal prep,
emotional support or justsomeone to talk to?
Now, fellas, don't let yourpride get in the way with
talking things out with someoneyou trust.

(02:21):
This could be a family member,a friend, co-worker Although, as
men, I know we tend to walkaround with that S on our chest,
absorbing anything that'sthrown at us.
I just want to let you know,man to man, receiving emotional
support doesn't make you weak.
It just proves you're human.
Number three reach out.
Don't be afraid to ask for help.

(02:42):
Reach out to neighbors,co-workers or even other parents
in your communities, those thatyou trust.
You might be surprised how manypeople are willing to lend a
hand.
Just use your intuition.
You got this.
Number four utilize onlineresources.
There are tons of onlinecommunities and support groups

(03:03):
for parents.
Connect with others whounderstand what you're going
through.
Number five give and take.
Remember building a supportnetwork is a two-way street.
Offer support to others whenyou can, and you'll be surprised
by the support you receive inreturn.
Number six show your gratitude,no matter if it's a simple

(03:25):
thank you, a gift card, somemoney, a favor in return,
express your gratitude to thosewho support you.
A little appreciation goes along way.
The power of community.
A strong support network canprovide emotional support,
practical help and a sense ofcommunity.
Here's why it's so important.

(03:45):
For one, it could reduce stressHaving people to rely on can
help ease the stress and anxietythat comes with parenthood.
Increased confidence Knowingyou have a support system can
boost your confidence as aparent.
Shared experiences Connectingwith other parents can help you
feel less alone and understandthat everyone faces challenges.

(04:07):
Emotional support Having peopleto talk to can help you process
your emotions and find supportduring difficult times.
Practical help A strong supportnetwork can offer practical help
with the things I spoke ofearlier, such as meal prep,
child care or even some errands.
Quick quote it takes a villageto raise a child.

(04:29):
African proverbs Remember, dads, you're not alone in this
journey.
Building a strong supportnetwork can make a huge
difference in your parentingexperience.
And, of course, before I getout of here, as always,
questions for the dads.
Question number one hey, dads,other than your partner, who are

(04:50):
some people in your life thatyou can rely on for support
after your baby arrives?
Question number two whatspecific task or chores would
you like help with during thenewborn phase?
Would you like help with duringthe newborn phase?
And question number three howcan you create a supportive
environment for your partner,especially if she's feeling

(05:10):
overwhelmed?
Building your village isessential for thriving as a
parent, don't be afraid to askfor help and remember to express
your gratitude to those whosupport you, as well as offer
your support to those who mayneed you.
As I close out, since we're onthe subject of support, I'd like
to hear from you how canInstructions Not Included be a

(05:32):
part of your support network.
Are there any specific topicsyou'd like us to discuss on our
podcast, or maybe you have yourown parenting experiences to
share, or even expertise thatyou'd like to offer our guests
on the show?
We'd love to expand our supportnetwork and hear from you.
We're also always looking forways to improve the show and our

(05:54):
listeners.
Feedback is invaluable.
Additionally, if you'd like tosupport our podcast and help us
with creating great content, youcan visit our Buy Me A Coffee
link that's listed in thedescription or just scan the QR
code.
Every contribution, big orsmall, helps us keep
Instructions Not Includedrunning strong.
Subscribe to Instructions NotIncluded for more dad-centric

(06:18):
advice and support.
Share your experiences withbuilding your support network in
the comments below.
Let's create a strong communityof supportive parents together.
Thanks for watching.
Until next time.
Sweet fight baby.