Brand New Dad » Month By Month » 10 Months Old » When You Feel Bad

All parents have days when they feel bad. Lots of things can go wrong. Your baby may be sick. You may feel tired after school or work. You may wish you weren't tied down to a baby. You may feel scared about paying your bills.

Everybody feels bad sometimes. Learning to cope with these feelings is part of living a healthy life.

If you feel so bad that you might hurt your baby, stop what you're doing. Put your baby in a safe place. Leave the room for a few minutes. Take 10 deep breaths. Then take 10 more.

If you feel like hurting your baby, call Parents Anonymous at 1-800-554-2323. This group is made up of parents just like you. They will listen. They can help you find ways to cope with your feelings. They can help keep you from hurting your baby.

Sometimes moms and dads take out their feelings on each other. It often starts with hurtful words. Over time it may grow into hurtful actions like hitting. Hitting just makes things worse. Yelling and fighting scares your baby.

Learn to talk things out. Say, "Let's change the way we argue. Let's talk instead of hit." Avoid blaming your partner when something goes wrong. If you think you might yell or hit, leave the room for a few minutes. Come back when you have settled down.

Abuse hotlines

If you know about a child who is being abused, call the child abuse hotline. Your name will be kept confidential. The incident will be investigated.

Child abuse hotline 1-800-422-4453

If you know a woman who is being abused by her partner, suggest that she call the domestic violence hotline. She may remain anonymous, if she wishes. She will learn how to get help.

Domestic violence hotline 1-800-799-SAFE

Next » 11 Months Old