When you’re on the airplane getting ready to take off, you will be reminded that in the event of an emergency, you should secure your air mask before you secure the mask for children. When it comes to parenting, that basic idea is pretty solid. Unless you take really good care of yourself, you won’t have the energy, stamina or creative brain power to meet the challenges that parenting brings. Stress is contagious. Your baby is becoming aware of your moods. She will sense when you are tense, as well as when you are calm and happy. Do everything you can to manage stress well. Have realistic expectations for yourself. Prioritize what you want to get done each day. Exercise! With everything you have to do, exercise is one of the easiest things to leave out. But, it’s one of the most important things you can do as a parent. It’s great to walk or swim, if you have someone to watch your baby. What exercises can you do without leaving home? Here are two simple exercises that take just a few minutes and help to loosen up your body. 1. Lie on the floor, on your back, and point your toes. ---Raise your right leg slightly and stretch your left arm toward your raised leg. ---Repeat with opposite arm and leg. ---Repeat 6 times. 2. Lie on the floor, on your back, with arms stretched out to shoulder level. ---Bend your knees and lift your feet up. ---Swing bent legs toward right, making sure your shoulders and arms are flat on the floor. ---Then swing legs to the left. ---Repeat 6 times.

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