A new study has revealed the top 20 parenting wins that keep new parents going, from baby giggles to tidy homes. The research, commissioned by Vitabiotics Wellbaby vitamins and based on a survey of 1,000 new parents, found that 47 per cent of respondents listed their baby smiling at them, sleeping through the night, and having a good day at nursery as some of the top ‘little wins’.
Maintaining a clean house for a whole day, enjoying a cup of tea while it’s hot, and getting a child to eat new foods without complaint were also highlighted as significant achievements for parents. Susanne Bisinotto, a spokesperson for Vitabiotics, noted that parents start to appreciate getting the basics right when they have a baby, with anything beyond that being a bonus.
The study showed that parents experience an average of five ‘parenting wins’ each week during the newborn and toddler stages, such as perfecting nap schedules and managing leak-free nappy days. These small triumphs contribute to 62 per cent of parents feeling extremely proud of their children and 53 per cent feeling successful as parents. Despite the challenges of parenthood, with 70 per cent of parents finding it more difficult than expected and 98 per cent turning to Google for childcare-related queries, 82 per cent credit daily ‘little wins’ for helping them through tough times.
While many parents miss the days of uninterrupted sleep and quick outings, the overwhelming sentiment remains positive, with 87 per cent agreeing that having a baby is the best thing that has ever happened to them. Bisinotto highlighted the importance of celebrating these small accomplishments, suggesting that all parents deserve a moment to acknowledge their successes, even if it’s just with a cup of tea.
The top 20 parenting wins identified in the study range from simple moments like a baby smiling at the parent, to bigger achievements like successfully transitioning a child from the car seat to the cot while asleep. Whether it’s keeping the house tidy for a day, receiving compliments on the choice of the baby’s name, or managing an outing without meltdowns, each parenting win contributes to making the journey of raising a child a rewarding experience for new parents.