Becoming a parent for the first time inspires awe and anxiety in equal measure. Even as one is excited about the adventure, worrying about caring for a baby is understandable. In an attempt to be on top of things, many first-time parents may set unrealistic expectations. These can include comparisons with other families, disregarding their needs, and more. To make one’s parenting journey more enjoyable, here are 6 common mistakes that new parents should avoid. Comparing growth milestones Constant comparison and the envy it breeds can be a challenge in the lives of most first-time parents. New parents may frequently feel the need to compare themselves and their children with other new parents to see what they are doing right, what they are doing wrong, and how well or badly they are raising their children. First-time parents may discuss baby milestones, constantly look out for possible developmental problems, compare sleep and feeding schedules, and many other routine behaviors. The danger of such constant comparison is that one may never feel satisfied with oneself and require external validation for every action and decision. It is crucial to note that each baby is different, and thus, they will develop different skills at different speeds.