Five things to avoid when visiting new parents

1. Poo on the carpet

Yes, their carpet will almost certainly be pooed on in the next two years, but that doesn’t mean you should be an early adopter. The last thing new parents want to do in their sleep-deprived state is to dab at your excrement with a sponge until they decide to pretend that it’s clean. If you must do a poo while visiting, use the toilet for once.

2. Set anything on fire

Most modern houses have working smoke detectors because of the law. Even a small bonfire in the lounge room can set these contraptions off and they make an infernal noise. If this wakes the baby the parents will be cross and won’t appreciate the effort you made bringing marshmallows to toast and kindling.

3. Bring the gift of a puppy

It’s political correctness gone mad, but people these days want to choose their own pets and when they get them. I know from personal experience that a puppy presented to the new parents of triplets is not always met with the grateful squeals you would expect. Remember, these people have read many, many articles about how parenting is the hardest job in the world, and they actually believe they’re too busy for a golden retriever.

4. Begin major structural renovations

I know this sounds weird, because they say you should help. However, unless you can stay to see the job through, it’s probably best not to rip up floor-boards or dismantle the portico on your own initiative. Someone will eventually make you a cup of tea, and then you’ll have to stop with the job half done and who knows when they’ll get around to finishing it.

5. Remove any parts of the baby

It can be tempting as well as useful for spells and cooking, but this is not the time for souveniring. Think of it like visiting a national park – what grows on the baby, stays on the baby.