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24 Hudson Valley Parent n April 2016 3. Avoid the Internet - If you really want to know what that rash is, make a doctor's appointment and stay off WebMD or Google. You'll save yourself loads of unneces- sary worry. 4. Trial and error are your friends - You don't have to have it all figured out to be a great par- ent. Don't be scared to try something new or abandon a long-standing technique that is no longer working. I always tell first-time parents, "Do what works, until it doesn't any- more." Be wary of anyone who tells you definitively "This is what works." Every baby and family is different and they can only tell you what worked for them. 5. Accept help - If your mom offers to give you a break of an hour or even overnight, TAKE IT. You may fell like you want or need to do it all, but if someone offers to help, take it without shame or worry. The truth is that none of us do it alone. You can't fine-tune your maternal instincts if you're not taking care of yourself. 6. Ease up on the expec- tations - So many good moms totally beat themselves up when they don't live up to their own expectations. Temper your expec- tations with an "I want to try to do this" instead of "I'm going to do this" when trying something new. You'll be less hard on yourself and you'll be a happier mom. One day, you'll wake up to a chubby-faced toddler racing through your house, then a tall and indepen- dent child that morphs into a moody teenager, you really will. Erin Johnson regularly writes on her "The No Drama Mama" blog and for Hudson Valley Parent. TOP TIPS (Continued from Page 23) Want more choices for your pet's health? ALTERNATIVE & CONVENTIONAL The best medicine available for a holistic approach to your pet's healthcare. SOME OF OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: • MLS Laser Therapy • Chiropractic & Acupuncture • Alternative Cancer Therapies • All-Natural Flea/Tick Prevention earthangelsvet.com