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9 Things I Said I’d Never Do As a Parent—Until I Became One
I used to think I was a parenting pro. I had all the answers—before I had kids, that is. Once my little ones arrived, I realized I didn’t know a thing. Suddenly, the skills I thought I had, like changing diapers and giving baths, felt foreign. I even found myself Googling basic parenting tasks because, honestly, my brain seemed to shut down. The judgments I had about how other parents raised their kids? Yeah, those went out the window the moment I had to tackle parenting myself.
1. TV/Screen Time
Before Kids (BK): I was totally against screen time before age two. Who needs that when you can have enriching activities, books, and trips to the park? My kids would be little geniuses playing with wooden toys like the Pilgrims did! I was ready to follow all the expert advice, even from people who thought Steve Jobs was the ultimate parenting guru.
After Kids (AK): “Hey sweetie, do you want Netflix or live TV?” It turns out that avoiding TV for the baby meant no TV for me either. I’d find myself watching shows while nursing, and before I knew it, my little one was trying to watch my favorite series upside down. As a stay-at-home parent, sometimes the TV is my saving grace, and I’m not ashamed.
2. Fast Food
BK: No way was my kid ever going to eat at McDonald’s! I was all about grass-fed everything and cute, healthy meals.
AK: But here I am, happily indulging in Chick-fil-A while my kid munches on waffle fries. The struggle is real!
3. Spanking
BK: Absolutely not! That’s just awful.
AK: While I still don’t spank, I can’t lie—I’ve had some wild thoughts after my son turned the kitchen table into his art project and took forever to eat a single carrot.
4. Tantrums in Public
BK: I was the expert on how to handle noisy kids in stores. Just threaten them quietly or leave!
AK: Now, I’ve learned that quiet and stillness is key—like a T-Rex. If I don’t move, maybe I can make it through my grocery list without a meltdown.
5. Formula Feeding
BK: I thought breastfeeding would be a breeze. Just me and my baby, no problem!
AK: Turns out, it was way harder than I imagined. My baby was attached to me 24/7, and I realized I might need some formula just to survive.
6. Momiform
BK: I vowed to keep looking good post-baby, no matter what.
AK: But after days without sleep and the occasional spill, I’ve embraced the reality of wearing whatever is comfortable—even if it means yoga pants and a stained shirt.
7. Not Tonight, Honey
BK: Thought I’d keep the romance alive with cute nursing bras.
AK: But honestly? If I keep walking around half-naked with the nursing pillow strapped on, my partner gets the hint to stay on his side of the bed.
8. Food as a Reward
BK: I was against using food as a reward. Stickers and praise were my go-tos!
AK: Now? If you can go seven minutes without a mishap, I’ll give you a cupcake and my Starbucks gift card balance.
9. Co-Sleeping
BK: My baby was definitely not going to sleep in our bed. I spent good money on that crib!
AK: But once my water broke, I haven’t even seen my bed. I’ve been camping out in the rocking chair while my baby sleeps on me, and honestly, I would trade my bed for just a little space to breathe!
If I could go back in time, I’d tell my pre-kid self to be more understanding and maybe even let that mom with the fussy toddler go ahead of me at the store. It’s easy to judge when you don’t know any better. But life has a way of humbling you, right? And while we’re at it, let’s redirect some of that judgment towards something really important, like adults wearing Crocs!
In summary, parenting is full of surprises and challenges that can flip your pre-parenting ideals upside down. It’s a journey that teaches humility and adaptability, reminding us all that we’re just doing our best.