The early years of childhood can be extremely demanding. One father asked what to do with a wife suffering from postpartum blues and an inconsolable teething infant. Here are three bits of advice.

1. Post partum blues.

It is normal for a woman to experience some form of post-partum blues after giving birth. Symptoms like fatigue, sadness, weepiness, anxiety, guilt for not being a good mom, lack of appetite are normal. Be loving, caring, understanding and patient as the chances are good that these symptoms will clear up within a few weeks. But keep an eye on them because if they don’t go away or become more severe, she may be developing postpartum depression which will need to be treated medically.

2. This too shall pass.

Living with a crying, sleepless demanding baby or toddler can push you to the limits of your emotional capacity. But be encouraged, it is a phase and will not last forever.

This is not your life, it is a short phase of your life.

Put on your game face, step up to the plate and hang in there.

3. Time out.

Make time for each of you and the two of you. Take time out for your own self-care, to recharge your batteries and have some fun. Give your wife time out where you take baby off her hands and give her a break to pamper herself and get some rest. Then make time for the two of you to connect without the constant presence of a demanding child. Get babysitters if necessary but make the time to be together.