When my son was born 14 years ago, my husband and I were considered young parents. I was in my first year of college and my husband (boyfriend at the time) was just finishing high school. Even though it was my first child, I remember feeling confident about my parenting abilities. After all I had babysat for many years and knew a thing or two about caring for babies. There are certain things, however, that you don’t learn until you are a parent such as how to breastfeed and what it is like to wake up in the middle of the night for feedings. In those times of uncertainty, it’s nice to have other parents to seek advice from.
There were plenty of times I needed advice when my son was little, like when to take his pacifier away, how to set a schedule and how to potty train a boy. Most of the time, I would turn to family for advice. When they weren’t available or didn’t know how to handle the situation, I would check out books from the library. While the Internet was a source of information at that time, it wasn’t as valuable of a resource as it is today.
By the time my twin girls were born six years ago, the Internet was considered a go-to resource for pretty much anything you needed help with. I used it to research twin pregnancies and I even communicated with other women who were pregnant with twins. Once my girls were born, I was constantly looking up information on how to care for twins — how to get them on the same schedule, how to breastfeed two babies at once, which formula is best and how to encourage them to sleep through the night. The Internet was a lifesaver, considering none of my family had experienced parenting twins.
Now that my kids are older, I don’t have as many questions as I did when they were younger, but there are times when I could use some advice. For example, how to discipline a teenager and how to limit screen time in this digital age. That’s where Parent Pal comes in. As part of the extensive suite of services and products provided by SYW.com, this new, free service offers real-time, personalized guidance and advice on topics and products related to raising children.
How to Use Parent Pal
Simply head to www.shopyourway.com/ParentPal to ask a question or text your question to 208-4ADVICE (208-423-8423). Experienced, knowledgeable moms and dads will respond to your inquiry via text or email within minutes. They draw from personal experience, best-practice guides, recent research, and top parent communities to provide actionable parenting tips and product suggestions intended to make every parent’s life easier.
Anyone can use the free service, and perhaps, be invited to be a Parent Pal too! As a bonus, if you are a Shop Your Way member, you will be directed to relevant products that will help you with your parenting needs.
If you’re a parent, I would encourage you to check out Parent Pal the next time you need parenting advice. It is especially handy if you either don’t have anyone to ask or you need advice quickly. Try it out and let me know what you think!
Michele
Friday 2nd of March 2018
Ok I'm a first time mom with several questions. I have an 18 month old son. 1. How do wean him off breastfeeding when hes not on a schedule? 2. He's up every 2 hours at night to nurse help! We cosleep 3.He hasbsevere separation anxiety. When I leave him with mom who he knows very well, he will scream non stop until I get home 4. He only naps in my arms ugghh 5 He babbles a lot but doesn't say words except momma and daddy. Is this normal? Thanks