My family has a list of rules before meeting my baby – they call me over the top but I had to make sure I got my moment
A MUM has shared a list of controversial rules for her family to follow when meeting her baby.
Myer Short admitted that people told her the rules were “over the top” but added that she has no regrets.
The expectant mother first came up with the list when she was pregnant with her first born, Atlas, now 16 months, and also plans to enforce the rules with her second child, who is due in the coming weeks.
One of the rules on Myer’s list is that people who smoke must change their top and wash their hands before touching her children, so that they don’t end up smelling of smoke.
She has also banned family members from kissing her youngsters, which she said is to prevent them from getting ill.
Myer and her partner Matt Rabbitts, have also asked friends and family not to announce the birth of their new-born online or share photos of them before they have.
Explaining this, Myer said: “I have got very excited family members.
“I wanted to make sure I got my moment.”
The couple have also requested that those bringing gifts for the new baby should also bring one for their older son and have asked that people do not turn up unannounced.
Myer said: “People should respect our wishes.
“The older generation said it was over the top.
“But they did listen to the rules and respect them.”
Explaining the reason for the list, Myer said: “I had a lot of new mum nerves and anxiety and I’d heard a lot from other parents.”
She said that she added the rules to a PDF document and shared them with her friends and family in a group chat.
Myer follows child-led parenting with oldest child Atlas and limits his screen time to 15 minutes a day.
She said: “We follow his lead.
“He’s been sleeping on a bed since he was six months instead of a cot. It’s low to the floor so he can’t fall.
“We’re very chilled out.
“He doesn’t have an iPad or watch much TV.
“The tantrums were increasing when he watched more.
“Now he has 15 minutes screen time a day and I wouldn’t go back.”
The West Sussex mum wants to encourage other people to share a list of rules for meeting their new born with their families.
She said: “Hopefully the list makes people less worried about sharing their wishes.”
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