So, you thought pregnancy was stressful. Well, now that you've got a baby, you know what real stress is! Parenthood has its own unique set of stressors. You aren't just responsible for your own life anymore. You are directly responsible for the care, nurturing, teaching, and protecting of another human being for approximately eighteen years.

That's a big responsibility, and the thought of it can be pretty daunting, and, yes, stressful. Parents of new babies are often unable to get enough sleep, and that makes everything else more difficult. But there are things new moms can do to manage the necessary stress of parenthood:

• Drink lots of water to stay well hydrated.

• Eat really healthy, soul-satisfying food.

• Take it easy. Let your body heal.

• Let people help you. You don't have to prove anything to anybody.

• Force yourself to make time for yourself, even if it's just ten minutes each day alone in the back bedroom breathing deeply.

• Sleep whenever the baby sleeps.

• Let yourself relish your time alone with your new baby.

Parents often have to make sacrifices, of time, of money, of autonomy. Sure it's worth it, but to parent well, you also have to manage your stress well.

If you teach your children how to manage their stress as well, you'll be giving them a great gift. As children grow and encounter school, peer pressure, homework overload, and the expectations inherent in our society, they'll also encounter plenty of stress.

Most important for a family life in which the stress is well managed is a sense of togetherness. It doesn't matter what elements make up your family. You don't have to have a husband, wife, 2.5 children, and a dog. As long as everyone knows they belong, feels loved, and spends time together, it's a family. A weekly family night may be all it takes. Play games. Talk about issues in the world. Watch movies. Take turns making dinner. Whatever you do, just being together will make the memories sweet.