Six Tips for Proper Etiquette Regarding the
Royal Birth
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| (photo: Chris Weeks/Getty Images) |
Congratulations to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince
William, on the arrival of their baby boy! Such an exciting time! As a
well-wisher in all of the current and coming excitement of the royal birth, it can be easy to make some faux pas.
Here are some tips for all of us, including tips for the media, on the
etiquette of the royal baby’s birth.
Allow the new parents some time and space. Having
a child, especially the first child, is a big life change for parents, let
alone for royal parents with a child that is third in line for the
throne. New parents need their time, space, and privacy. Give them the
opportunity to enjoy the early days with their new baby. While many of us would
be interested in minute by minute reports on the baby and the Duchess, it is
best to allow the immediate family time to bond without cameras and microphones
on ready standby.
Avoid negative comments. For
all, and especially the media, please avoid saying or printing comments such as “oh my, did you see what they
just did?” or “why wasn’t the baby…?,” or “do you think they chose the right
nannies?” It is kind to simply keep such comments to oneself.
Curb the tendency for the “shoulds” and offering unsolicited advice. While your intentions may be good, it will come across as criticism. Advice such as “the parents really should…,” (not allow, provide, not tolerate, watch
more closely…, etc.) “the grandparents really should…” (stop, start), or “the baby really should…" (be fed, changed, covered) are simply not needed. Parents know their baby best and when the child needs to eat, be changed, in a sweater or socks. Remember that the baby will let them know some of these needs too! If you are a parent, think back to
how these “shoulds” made you feel. Likely you felt inadequate with your first child's birth. Many parents
feel this on their own without the shoulds from others.
Avoid comparisons.
There is no need to compare your baby to the royal baby, or your parenting style to the Duke and
Duchess’s parenting style. In this case, such comparisons are usually made to make oneself feel superior and/or the others to feel badly. For example, “my baby was so smart that
she was walking within a week,” “talking within too weeks,” or “so strong that
he grew a foot in a month”. Or, “when my baby was six months old, I would never
have…” You get the idea.
Avoid making derogatory comments or a fuss
about the baby’s name. “I can’t believe they’d choose that
name! What were they thinking?” or even, “Thank goodness they chose a normal
name for a change. Seems people these days are making up the oddest names.” Baby names are personal and may have familial or historical
significance, especially in the case of the Duke and Duchess who may choose the
baby’s name based on tradition. Simply be supportive.
Want to send a gift? Gifts
will be sent to the royal couple from across the globe, many of which will
likely be donated. Instead, send the gift you would have provided to a local charity
in the Duke and Duchess’s name. The charity will likely be most appreciative.
