10 Things I Have Learned Since Becoming a Parent
When my husband and I were childless we didn’t not understand what life was like for our friends who had kids. We sometimes wondered why my sister-in-law would leave early from a family dinner so her kids wouldn’t miss their eight o’clock bedtime. We didn’t understand why one night would be such a big deal.
We also had grand illusions of how we would be different as parents. We dreamt of getting sitters often and going anywhere at anytime with our kids. Then reality hit us with our first baby.
Now that we are parents we certainly have a greater understanding of what it means to parent and we have a lot more grace for other parents.
Here are ten things that we just didn’t understand before our little one came along.
1. Bedtimes and nap schedules are important to keep kids and parents happy.
2. Getting a babysitter is a big deal and expensive.
3. A night out with adult conversation is a treat.
4. How difficult it is to get a great photo of your child.
5. Not feeding kids sugar is important, because it really does make them hyper.
6. You just can’t go anywhere at anytime when you want, no matter how flexible your kids are.
7. Kids don’t always behave as you want them to in public places.
8. It really does take a long time just to get out the door.
9. Don’t assume that a child’s misbehavior is a result of lack of discipline. Most of the time parents really are trying their best and the kid is just acting their age.
10. Mother’s Day Out and other programs like it are very awesome.
Did you have grand illusions of what parenting would be like before kids? Were there things that you didn’t understand about your friends with kids, but you get now that you are a parent?
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This is so great for first time moms or moms to be to read– I was lucky my sister has children before me so I was clued in before I had mine so I knew what I was getting myself into!
I’ve learned not to take a single day for granted.
I’ve learned how important (and respectful) it is to wash, really wash, your hands before touching someone else’s child.
I’ve learned that staying home with your infant (especially during the winter) can be a very lonely thing.
I’ve learned to let go of some of my control issues when it comes to my husband and my daughter…they have a phenomenal relationship, even if he parents differently than I do. And who’s to say that his different isn’t better?
I’ve learned to take a lot of pictures…babies change everyday!
I love your top ten list, especially number 1. There’s only one item I could add. Before becoming a parent, I never understood why it was so difficult to have a conversation with my friends on the phone (during the day). They always sounded so distracted. And now I understand…they were distracted!
Amen! Love this article!
But for anyone having a hard time getting a great photo of their child- go to a professional photographer (like me, wink, wink!). The cost greatly outweighs the hassle you’ll have on your own. You’ll have beautiful memories you will cherish forever.
I could absolutely not agree with that more. I remember thinking how “lame” my be-kidded friends were when I was childless. I so did not get it…and I have friends now who don’t…but it’s one of those things you just absolutely do not get unless it happens to you.
Awesome article.
I’ve learned that motherhood really does change who you are and how you see the world. I used to think my friends who cried at their kids’ “silly” little achievements were sappy and over-emotional and I’d never be like that. Now, I cry at everything my son does! All he has to do is smile at me sometimes and I get teary!