Ah, sleep…
That elusive thing that you used to take for granted before becoming a parent. If you’re a young parent, chances are you’re familiar with the feeling of sleep deprivation. It’s not just the late nights and early mornings, it’s the constant interruptions throughout the night that can really take a toll on your sanity.
Remember those days when you could sleep for 8 hours straight without a care in the world? Dit was die dae! But don’t worry, you’re not alone. As a fellow previously sleep-deprived parents, we’re here to commiserate with you and offer some tips for surviving on minimal sleep.
First things first, coffee is your friend (so bietjie boeretroos!). And I don’t mean just any coffee, I mean the strongest coffee you can find. It’s amazing what a little caffeine can do for your mental clarity when you’ve only had a few hours of sleep.
Secondly, learn to nap whenever and wherever you can. If your child falls asleep in the car, take advantage of that time to catch a few Z’s yourself. If they’re taking a nap, resist the urge to do chores and take a nap yourself. The dishes can wait – los jou OCD vir ‘n paar minute en knip ‘n uiltjie!
And finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s your partner, a family member, or a trusted friend, having someone to take care of your child for a few hours so you can catch up on sleep can make all the difference. Remember, this sleepless phase won’t last forever. In the meantime, embrace the chaos and find the humor in the situation. Who needs sleep anyway?