When I was a kid, my mom always warned me about swinging on the shower curtain rod. I found it exhilarating to perch on the edge of the tub, grip that shiny metal bar, and attempt to lift both feet off the ground. “If you do that, it will break, and you’ll regret it,” she’d say, a million times over. Naturally, I ignored her wise words. The result? A spectacular crash landing on the tub floor, a wrecked shower curtain rod, and a very irate mother. “I told you so,” she said. Touché. Some lessons can only be grasped through experience, and parenting is no different.
Every parent has a treasure trove of wisdom, and we love sharing our tales of triumph and blunders. However, there are certain parenting lessons that must be learned the hard way. Sometimes, you just have to dive in and discover what doesn’t work before you can find what does. Here are some of the hard-earned lessons I’ve picked up along the way:
- Opt for Bigger Diapers
A friend once let me in on a crucial secret after my son was born: if your baby is leaking through diapers, it means you need to size up, not down. Trust me, you’ll only grasp this after a few unfortunate nighttime surprises. - Recognize Real Support
It took me nearly four decades to understand what genuine support looks like. Spoiler alert: it’s not unsolicited advice or smug “I told you so” remarks. - Too Much Cookie Dough Exists
As delicious as it is (like a warm hug in edible form), there’s a fine line between comfort and regret. Typically, I only discover this line after I’ve crossed it—more than once, unfortunately. - Master the Sleep Game
For some families, co-sleeping is the answer; for others, it’s strict sleep training. Many find themselves trying every trick in the book until they realize the best strategy is simply to ride out the storm, armed with earplugs, a hefty coffee supply, and plenty of complaints about sleep deprivation. - Identify True Friends
A real friend is not someone who leaves your messages on read until they need something; a true friend is the one who replies to your 2 a.m. SOS texts and admits, “I’m lost too.” - Avoid Toddler Corn Before Road Trips
I’ll just leave this one here: trust me on this one. - Always Carry Tampons
The one time your period decides to show up early will be the day you’re at the pool, and all the machines are broken. You’ll find yourself awkwardly asking the teenager at the front desk for help—what a scene! - Perms Aren’t the Solution
I have the fourth-grade photos to prove it—sometimes change isn’t worth the risk. - Celebrate Your Body
I often find myself critiquing every flaw, but a sudden illness reminds me of my body’s incredible strength and resilience. It’s a humbling experience, to say the least. - Guilt is a Sneaky Villain
Parents are wired to feel guilty about everything. Whether we work or stay home, we grapple with guilt over our choices—sometimes even for feeling guilt-free! Just last fall, I missed some of my son’s baseball games and felt guilty for not feeling guilty afterward. It’s a slippery slope. - Caution with Advice
Not everyone knows what they’re talking about. Some lessons in parenting must be learned through personal experience.
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Summary
Parenting is filled with hard-earned lessons that often come from personal experience. From diaper sizes to the importance of true friendship, every parent will face unique challenges—and sometimes, the best way to learn is to make a few mistakes along the way.