Your Partner’s Pregnancy To-Do List

Upon learning that you’re going to have a baby, your first instinct is likely to feel immediately overwhelmed, especially if this is your first child. What will happen? What will your baby be like? How much will it cost? There’s a lot to consider. However, you can make the process much easier by getting your partner involved from day one.

In this pregnancy to-do list, we’ll tell you everything you should expect during the next nine months and how your partner can help you along the way. From how to provide emotional support during the first trimester to what to do when you bring your baby in the front door the first time, there’s a lot to know. Get your partner well-versed on this list, and you’ll set each other up for success and be the best parents you can be.

First Trimester (Weeks 1-12)

Our pregnancy to-do list begins with the first trimester, where things are new and extremely exciting. With so much to think about, you’ll need your partner at your side through it all. Here are ways they can help with your many needs:

Emotional Support

Your hormones will shift rapidly during the first trimester, and emotions may be unpredictable. Your partner needs to understand that and show empathy throughout it all. They should know that a day could be filled with quick mood swings, from crying to extreme happiness. Your partner needs to embrace it all with sympathy, patience, and properly-placed humor.

Encourage your partner to check in regularly. Simple questions like, “Is anything extra hard right now?” or “How are you feeling today?” can go a long way. However, your partner should also understand that sometimes you may not want to talk and respect that decision.

Reassurance is key during this time, especially if this is your first child. While not nice to think about, there may be thoughts about potential symptoms, the idea of a miscarriage, and anything that doesn’t feel normal. Tell your partner to be patient during this time. Also, your partner doesn’t need to fix everything. Simple reassurances like “I’m here for you” and “We’ll figure this out together” are the best during this time. Also, remind your partner that not all symptoms are visible, and that they should just believe and be there for you if you feel nausea, exhaustion, or potential hormone shifts.

Physical Support

While the first trimester isn’t the most difficult when it comes to getting around, going to work, or doing things around the house, your partner should still show support. The first trimester can often include extreme fatigue as a life begins to form in your body. As a result, you may need more naps or earlier bedtimes. Ensure your partner knows that a change in your schedule may be coming.

Since nausea can strike at any time, ask your partner to be on standby for snacks that can ease your discomfort. Apple slices, crackers, and pretzels usually do the trick. As does any beverage that contains plenty of electrolytes. Finally, always keep a water bottle by your side. Over time, your partner can also learn what scents trigger your nausea and try to keep the offenders away. Every woman is different. Sometimes it’s the smell of onions or the trash bin. Whatever it is, urge your partner to help keep it away.

A mix of fatigue, anxiety, and driving a vehicle don’t always go hand-in-hand. So, it may be nice if your partner can drive you to your appointments whenever possible. Advise your partner to also be on call in case you’re not well enough to run errands, such as going to the grocery store.

Household Support

This is when your partner’s pregnancy to-do list is really going to keep them busy. If you’re sensitive to strange smells during your first trimester, your partner can help to alleviate many of them by taking out the trash, cleaning dirty dishes, and cooking meals that don’t involve strong scents. If your partner isn’t currently the primary chef in the house, it may be time to learn a few recipes. They should know that your preferences could change at a moment’s notice. So, they can learn a variety of simple dishes that they can prepare on demand. 

Advise your partner that it would help if they could assist with chores and tasks around the house that you may not be up for. These may include vacuuming, sweeping, or washing a load of clothes. Again, if they’re not well-versed on these tasks, this is the time to learn.

Finally, your partner can help to take the mental load off your shoulders by starting a physical or digital calendar. They should write down your upcoming doctor visits, tests, and reminders. They can also help to keep track of your symptoms in case the information is necessary for your doctor later on.

Second Trimester (Weeks 13-27)

Your partner’s pregnancy to-do list will become a bit more complicated during the second trimester. Things are getting a bit more serious at this point, so you and your partner will need to be ready to react accordingly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Emotional Support

At this point, you’re likely going to get much more excited about the idea that you’ll soon be having a baby. Your partner should show enthusiasm and support you. This is a nice time to start considering some nursery colors and baby names. Doctor appointments may become more frequent, so encourage your partner to stay engaged during these meetings and to remember the important details. 

Your body will be changing at a more rapid pace during this trimester, and your partner should be supportive of this metamorphosis. A good partner will compliment you frequently and remind you that you’re doing an amazing job as you carry this baby. A great way to provide emotional support during this time is to celebrate the small milestones along the way, such as the ultrasound photos, first kicks, and the time you spend crib shopping.

Physical Support

While it may be a bit more difficult to get around during the second trimester, you’re still going to want to do some light exercise to stay in shape. Gentle movements such as walking, prenatal yoga, and light stretching can benefit your body during this time. A pivotal part of your partner’s pregnancy to-do list is to join you in these activities and encourage you along the way. 

Your partner should also work on prioritizing your comfort during this phase. Simple actions like plumping and rearranging pillows and giving foot and back rubs can make a world of difference. Both you and your partner will want to keep up healthy habits during this time. Task your partner with helping you to maintain your healthy habits by cooking healthy meals, refilling your water bottle, and encouraging an earlier bedtime. 

Household Support

Your partner can be a big help in the second trimester, especially when it comes to setting up the baby’s room, building the crib and other furniture, and any other heavy lifting. There’s no point in waiting until the week the baby’s due to get these things done. 

Then, task your partner with helping with some of the mental load that goes into researching the best car seats, strollers, and baby monitors. Then, talk it out and decide on the final purchase together. It’s also at this time that your husband should help with some of the heavier or more awkward tasks, like carrying groceries and lifting laundry baskets. 

Finally, this is a good time to work on financial prep. Have your partner help review insurance and update budgets. You should also take this time to plan your parental leave from work.

Third Trimester (Weeks 28-Birth)

This is it! The final months before your wonderful bundle of joy arrives in your life. This is absolutely the time when your partner must be on top of their pregnancy to-do list. Both of you will be emotionally and physically exhausted, but try to do your best. In the end, it will all pay off.

Emotional Support

Your partner’s primary purpose during this phase is to stay strong. Things may get hectic, and the anticipation for the baby will be at an all-time high. You have permission to freak out, but your partner should remain calm and be the rock you need to stay steady. Be proactive during this time. If your partner notices that you’re getting stressed, they should act quickly and help you to de-stress. You shouldn’t have to remind them that you’re having a moment.

Finally, your partner should use this chance to support you and boost your confidence whenever necessary. They should be there to tell you how well you’re doing and to celebrate your wins so you can be happy.

Physical Support

There’s no doubt about it. Getting around will be more challenging during the third trimester, so your partner will often have to help you along. Your partner can also help with tasks that may include bending, reaching, or grasping for items out of reach. If you enjoy massages, then your partner can help there, too. A 10-minute massage of the shoulders, hips, feet, and back can do wonders for aches and pains. 

Your partner should also be there to help you slow down and relax. They should create a calming atmosphere when you want to sleep and keep unnecessary noise to a minimum. Finally, your partner should be very happy to attend your birth classes and offer their full participation. This is possibly the best way they can support you while you’re learning about this important milestone.

Household Support

Now that you’re reaching the final stage of your pregnancy, it’s time for your partner to take a much more significant role around the house. Since it’s harder for you to get around, they should take over all chores and household responsibilities. This doesn’t mean that you are incapable of doing things on your own, but if you’re feeling tired, your partner should be able to pick up the slack. 

It’s also during this time that your partner should help to finalize all baby readiness tasks around the house. That includes baby proofing outlets, tables, and sharp corners. It also means setting up cribs, changing stations, and other furniture. Also, take this time to purchase and store plenty of diapers and install the car seat. 

Take this time to stock the home for the weeks after the baby is born, when you’re both exhausted while caring for a hungry and crying baby. Stock up on freezer meals, pantry goods, toilet paper, paper towels, and anything else you depend on each day. Your future selves will thank you!

Labor and Delivery

When you suddenly find out that you’re about to give birth, and you’re rushing to the hospital, the idea of a to-do list may go out the window. That’s why you and your partner need to prepare in advance. You and your partner both need to stay calm. Both of you must also remember that although it’s a stressful time, you have highly qualified nurses and doctors to make the process go as smoothly as possible. 

Your partner should be instructed to follow your lead during the delivery. If you’re silent, your partner should probably be silent too. If you want encouragement, your partner should be ready to provide that encouragement. Finally, your partner needs to know that this moment is all about you. All attention should be on you. That means phones away, TV off, and any other distractions at a minimum. Then you can go through this special experience together. 

Post Partum

There’s no joy quite as imaginable as having a new baby and bringing your son or daughter home for the first time. It’s a wonderful experience, but your partner’s pregnancy to-do list doesn’t end just because the baby is born. Your partner should be encouraged to share the workload. They should want to help change diapers, feed the baby (if and when necessary), and take part in your baby’s daily life. Both you and your partner should talk to the baby often to help encourage his or her language skills and keep your baby engaged.

Even if you follow this to-do list to the letter, it’s essential that you remember that there will likely be some stumbling blocks along the way. Nothing goes perfectly when you have a new baby. Every child is different, and you’ll need to adjust when necessary. Just do your best, and you and your partner will raise a smart and successful child.

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Raising Kind Kids in a Competitive World

As parents, it can be difficult to think about raising kind kids in a competitive world. These days, the world seems so spastic, and everyone is looking for their own way to reach the success we all seek. When your kids are young, you may wonder how to raise them. If you encourage them to be too nice, they may be walked over, but you also don’t want them to become bullies.

Whether it’s playing sports, making friends, or working on class projects, it’s essential to strike a good balance between kindness and competition. In this guide, we’ll provide strategies for how to have kids who can become go-getters without going overboard in our competitive world.

Redefine Success

Many people have a very narrow view of success. They think success is only about making money or being the best at what they do. If you encourage that type of thinking, your children will easily adapt to that competitive nature. What you need to do is redefine success.

One way to do so is to focus on work ethic. When your kids get a good grade in school as part of a team project. Congratulate them on the grade, but put more emphasis on their effort and their value as part of the team. If your child went above and beyond to help a classmate, congratulate them on that. After all, no one can do everything on their own. 

Remind them of this phrase: “Being good at something is great. Being good to someone is greater.”

Model Kindness Every Day

Being overly competitive often means people step on others to get what they want. You can counteract that mindset in your kids by showing the value of being nice. 

When a stranger or family member hands you something, always say “thank you.” Say “please” when asking for favors. When you’re at the grocery store, smile and ask the cashier how they’re feeling today. Your kids will notice that you’re being nice to the people you interact with. They’ll also see how the recipient of your kindness reacts. If they see you do it, they’ll likely model that behavior going forward. Even when they’re in competitive situations.

Teach Your Children Empathy

Empathy is key when you’re raising kind kids in a competitive world. You’ve likely heard horror stories about competitive people doing terrible things in order to get ahead. That’s not good behavior, so teach your kids empathy early on. 

Instead of getting mad at people or situations, understand why they happened and exercise forgiveness. Showing forgiveness to your kids doesn’t mean that you let them get away with whatever they want. But by sitting down with them, gently expressing your frustrations, and forgiving them, you’ll be setting a great example. In the future, when your kids are in sports. Instead of taking advantage of another player who’s hurt so that they can score the goal. Your child may instead go to the aid of their teammate. It’s an act of kindness that most will never forget.

Talk About Feelings

When your kids come home from a competitive event, talk to them about their feelings. If they lost the game, and they tell you that they’re disappointed, talk about that. Tell them that disappointment is a fact of life, but it doesn’t have to define them. The best thing to do when we lose is to pick ourselves up and try again. Kids are allowed to be upset for a bit, but advise them not to sit in that disappointment.

If your kid comes home and they’ve won their game, they’re likely to be excited, but don’t let it go to their heads. Some kids start winning early in their lives, and then they continue to search for that feeling as they get older, sometimes at the expense of others. Let them know it’s okay to be happy to win, but to know that they won’t win every time.

If you’re unsure how to talk about these types of things, try showing them inspiring sports movies, like the “Rocky” films. Sometimes the hero wins and sometimes he doesn’t, but he learns from those experiences.

Encourage Cooperation Over Comparison

A great tactic when raising kind kids in a competitive world is to encourage them to try activities that require working with others. Start in the home. Have your kids help with cooking dinner or working on a project out in the yard. You can also go volunteer at a church or another organization in your community and work together to help those in need. At home, play team games on Saturday night and have fun while learning how to work together.

When your kids learn that they can’t do everything on their own, they will likely carry that mindset over into their sports and school work. With luck, they’ll continue to keep the idea of teamwork in mind when they eventually get older and get a job.

Talk to the Coaches

A good way to get the full picture of what your kids understand about kindness is to talk to the coaches and staff at the school. Ask them what they say to the kids about teamwork. Are they also teaching the kids about positive character development? If not, encourage them to do so.

If there is a great coach who is teaching kids about teamwork and cooperation, echo those words of wisdom at home. Say things like, “Remember what the coach says…” Then, talk to the coach and praise them for their excellent leadership.

Teach the “Empathy Pause”

A key tool that you can use in your arsenal when you’re raising kind kids in a competitive world is the “empathy pause.” Essentially, this tool is requiring your kids to take a moment to think and reflect before they instinctively react. When they get upset about losing, tell them to stop and ask themselves, “what am I feeling right now?” Then they can work through that feeling and respond appropriately. 

You risk your reputation as a kind individual when you immediately react and say something mean or something you’ll regret. We can all learn from the empathy pause. Parents need to make sure that they practice what they preach in this regard. If you’re known to get angry easily, your kids will likely do the same.

Tell Stories About Compassionate Leaders

If you want to find a group of competitive people, look at current and past leaders. Whether it’s world leaders, team leaders, or anything in between, you’re going to find people who will go above and beyond to do what’s right for their people. However, that doesn’t mean that they were not compassionate. 

If you want to focus on raising kind kids in a competitive world, tell them about some of the most famously compassionate leaders. Names like Martin Luther King Jr, Jesus Christ, Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela often come to mind. How about the people in your family? Is there a grandparent that your kids can learn from? Maybe you yourself had an experience where kind leadership was needed that you can impart on your kids.

Take the time to tell these stories, and your kids may model their lives after them as they grow up.

Be Cautious About What They Watch

The world is hard on kids in 2025. The content on TV doesn’t make things much easier. You can raise kinder kids and avoid bad influences by being very protective about the movies and shows they watch. If you are watching a show where someone says something inappropriate, tell your kids why that may be out of line.

Try to find shows where characters say “please” and “thank you” and don’t step over others to get their way. Be cautious of dramas where everyone is trying to one-up each other. You can’t be perfect when monitoring what your kids watch, but try your best, and everyone will be better off.

Teach Kids to Compete With Themselves, Not Others

While keeping all of this advice in mind, also remember that it’s okay for kids to be competitive to a degree. However, instead of allowing them to try to boss others around, teach them how to be competitive with themselves. You can do this in an innocent way by teaching your kids how to set short and long-term goals. There’s nothing quite as exciting as setting a goal and reaching it. They’ll want to have that feeling over and over again. You can also teach them to ask themselves reflective questions, such as “How can I improve from last week?” Making little tweaks to our routine, even as children, can make us more productive now and in the future. 

Keep all of these tips in mind as you raise your children, and you’ll have well-rounded kids. Just remember that every child is different, so take things one step at a time as you watch your young ones mature.