Overview No matter how many nanny shows you watch on television or how many child-rearing books you read, nothing can properly prepare you for the changes that a baby brings to the household. And once you adjust to the chaos in your life, your child will enter a new stage of growth that presents a fresh set of challenges for you. Although the learning curve is steep, one of the most surprising things you will learn as a parent is the amount of love that your heart can hold for your child. There are no do overs Everyone makes mistakes, including parents. The time will come when you say something or do something in front of your child that you wish you hadn't, and you cannot take it back. While you might think you have caused irreparable damage to your child's emotional well being, that simply is not the case. CNN Health advises that your child will move on and so should you. Apologize to your child if you think it is necessary. Once he realizes that everyone makes mistakes, it may even help him to learn take responsibility for his own actions when things go wrong. Bonding may take some time Although you may envision joyously swooning over your baby shortly after giving birth, that does not always happen. Once you bring your baby home from the hospital, the stress of sleepless nights, changing hormones and a crying child may leave you feeling bewildered and unable to function properly. Often, the fact that you do not feel that motherly love can exacerbate the problem. Know that although this is not common, it does occasionally happen to new parents. Over time, things should change and you will find that you have mysteriously developed a tremendous bond and love for your child. If the problem worsens, however, or continues for an extended period, consult your doctor, as you may suffer from postpartum depression. A changing relationship Once baby makes three, a change in the relationship with your spouse is inevitable. You no longer have the freedom to get up and go out for a drive or dinner on a whim, household and child-rearing duties take center stage, jealousy often sets in as the baby takes up most of your time and self-esteem issues can get in the way as your body tries to regain its old shape. As long as you understand that your relationship is beginning a new stage and you set aside time to communicate and spend time with your spouse, your relationship will weather the storm and may even grow stronger. Gaining a new perspective Raising children invariably changes the way you view things. Where you once shot dirty glances at the mother in the grocery store who could not stop her child from screaming, you now look at her in a whole new light. All of those thoughts of a perfect, obedient child have inevitably flown out the window, and you learn to pick and choose your battles. You may even find yourself looking at your own mother and mother-in-law with new-found respect. Having a child is like leaving your old self behind as you start on a whole new life.