Talking to New Parents in Spain
Congratulate friends on their baby, ask how they're coping and offer help the way Spaniards do.
In Spain friends usually call to say '¡Enhorabuena!' and then drop by the parents' home with food or a small gift, keeping the visit short. Both parents get sixteen weeks of paid leave, so you'll often find the two of them at home, tired and swapping advice from everyone. The cards follow a friend calling a new dad, visiting the family and offering help on the way out.
- 1
¡Enhorabuena por el bebé!
Congratulations on the baby!
- 2
¿Cómo lo lleváis?
How are you holding up?
- 3
Estamos hechos polvo.
We're absolutely shattered.
- 4
No he pegado ojo.
I haven't slept a wink.
- 5
Dormimos a ratos.
We only sleep in bits and pieces.
- 6
Te pone la vida patas arriba.
It turns your life upside down.
- 7
Pero merece la pena.
But it's worth it.
- 8
Si necesitáis algo, me decís.
If you need anything, just tell me.
- 9
No os cortéis.
Don't hold back.
- 10
Os he traído comida para que no tengáis que cocinar.
I've brought you some food so you don't have to cook.
- 11
¿Cuánto tiempo tienes de baja de paternidad?
How long is your paternity leave?
- 12
Dieciséis semanas, igual que ella.
Sixteen weeks, same as her.
- 13
Hay que ir día a día.
You have to take it one day at a time.
- 14
Aprovechad, que crecen muy rápido.
Make the most of it, they grow up so fast.
- 15
Me voy ya, que estaréis cansados.
I'll get going, you must be tired.
- 16
Descansa cuando duerma el bebé.
Rest whenever the baby sleeps.
- 17
Lo hacéis genial.
You're doing great.
- 18
Todo el mundo te da consejos.
Everyone gives you advice.
- 19
No hagas caso a todo el mundo.
Don't listen to everyone.
- 20
¿Qué tal la vuelta a casa?
How's it been being back home?