I wrote about things I wish I knew before becoming a parent on my BabyCenter blog, but I felt the urge to add a few more things to my growing list.
As I mentioned, I thought I had it all figured out, but little did I know what I was really in for. I’ve seen my life completely change within the last 6 years and it’s both amazing and exhausting all at the same time.
Again, I love being a mom. In addition to being a wife, it’s the most important and rewarding role I’ll ever have. But, I’m just keeping it real. There is a lot that I wish I knew prior to becoming a mom.
Being a paranoid parent. There was no way of knowing how worried I’d be after giving birth. With all the reports of SIDS and being reminded by my mom of the time she had to rush me to the hospital, after my sister found me in the crib struggling to breathe had be paranoid that my infant may do the same.
I’ve heard that paranoia diminishes after having another child, but that hasn’t been the case for me. As my children get older and become more independent, I continue to worry.
It’s actually kind of funny when you think about it because I remember kids with overprotective parents. I never would have guessed that I’d become one of them. I had a strict upbringing, but was also able to do a lot of things my kids are not allowed to do today. I’ll admit that tragic stories of child abductions and molestation covered in the news has got be paranoid. So the chances of my kids walking to and from school by themselves – as I began doing at 7-years-old – won’t fly in this day and age.
The cost of taking care of kids. Raising kids ain’t cheap. I knew it would get costly, but jeez. I’ve lost count of how much money we spend on food, clothes, school supplies, daycare, extracurricular activities and it’s insane. Let’s not forget about how much more we pay in water and electricity. The list goes on and on.
How much I’d appreciate befriending others parents. Sometimes being a mom feels like being on a boat in the middle of nowhere with no land in sight. There are times when we think we’ve got it all figured out and put on a brave face, but the reality is that we don’t have all the answers and we are scared to death.
Rather than internalize that feeling of helplessness, it’s great to be able to connect with other parents and exchange stories. Just speaking with other moms going through similar situations provide a sense of relief and let’s me know that I’m not the only one dealing with the frustrations of parenting.
How little time I’d have for myself. I’ve always scheduled “me time” during my 15 minute showers. However, these days I can’t even use the bathroom without one of my kids barging in with some random request. O usually wants a hug and kiss, while Princess enjoys showing off her latest creations. It doesn’t matter that I’m on the toilet, they need my attention and I give in every time.
How little time my husband and I would spend together. We both knew that becoming parents meant less alone time, but my goodness. Date nights outside of the home are far and few in between, but we do schedule alone time as much as possible, which usually happens after the kiddies are in bed. I know that sounds a bit unromantic, but we have no choice.
While I wish I knew these things before becoming a parent, I’m not sure it would change anything, if I knew beforehand. It’s not like we would have decided not to have kids or anything.
They say it’s hard to prepare for the ups and downs of parenting and I couldn’t agree more. You just have to roll with the punches and enjoy the ups and downs.
What are some of the things you wish you knew before becoming a parent?
