Before stepping into the wild world of parenthood, I was a self-proclaimed expert, armed with a list of things I’d never do as a parent. But like most things in life, reality has a way of throwing a wrench in your well-laid plans. I’ve managed to stick to some principles, like limiting screen time and avoiding spanking, but there are definitely a few habits I swore I wouldn’t adopt that I have. Here they are:
- Co-Sleeping
I was convinced my little ones would sleep soundly in their cribs. Then they turned two, and suddenly, our bed was the ultimate sleepover destination at 3 a.m. What do you do? You shove your child between you like a squishy piece of Play-Doh and snooze because the thought of trekking upstairs feels like a marathon. - Cooking Separate Meals
I usually try to whip up meals that everyone will enjoy, but sometimes I like to break free from the usual rotation of spaghetti and tacos. The result? My kids protest louder than a marching band at a quiet wedding, leading me to whip up an alternative. Shoutout to those parents who stick to their guns: you’re my heroes! But I’m not letting my kids starve because I don’t want to hear whining about hunger. - Allowing Screen Time
I remember a younger me, with dreams of a screen-free household. Fast forward a few years, and I found that my flat-screen TV became a lifesaver during my second pregnancy. It turns out good ol’ TV can be a free babysitter when you need a breather. - Negotiating with the Kids
Growing up, my parents’ word was law. Now? Not so much. I still aim for authority, but some days, I just don’t have the energy to enforce it. If they want one more episode of their favorite show or to eat just four more peas, sometimes I think, “Why not?” - Attempting to Maintain Our Pre-Parenting Lifestyle
Remember those plans to take your baby on a trip? I learned the hard way that traveling with a baby is a whole different ball game. After one trip filled with jet lag and colic surprises, I realized that vacations are no longer just about relaxation. - Being Flexible with Bedtime
Let’s be honest; sometimes it’s just easier to let them stay up a little longer. Who wouldn’t trade an extra hour of kiddo chaos for one more episode of their favorite show? Bedtime can easily morph into “just a few more minutes,” which can spiral into a full-on marathon. - Breakfasting on Sugary Goodies
Pop Tarts for breakfast? Guilty as charged. I want my kids to eat healthy, but let’s face it: mornings are chaotic, and the idea of cooking a wholesome breakfast at the crack of dawn is unrealistic. If they’ll eat something that resembles fruit, I’ll take it. - Trying to Control Every Situation
Oh, the plans I had! I read all the parenting books and made charts galore, only to realize that my attempts to let my child be an individual often resulted in chaos. Letting them express themselves sometimes leads to biting incidents. Who knew? - Allowing Rule-Breaking Fun
Bouncing on the bed? Sure! Kids only get one childhood, and watching them enjoy it is priceless—just have an ice pack ready for those inevitable bumps. - Accepting a Messy Home
I never imagined I’d be that mom drowning in toys and laundry. But here I am! Sure, it would be nice to have a pristine home, but I’ve learned that a lived-in space is just fine. The toilets are clean, mainly because my kids seem to think they’re playgrounds. If you can’t beat them, at least keep things sanitary!
In the grand scheme of parenting, nothing is set in stone. While some habits may be permanent fixtures—like those blue Sharpie marks on the couch—many are fleeting. One day, your child won’t want to cuddle at 3 a.m., and they might even stop playing in the toilet before middle school.
For more insights on parenting and related topics, check out our other articles, like this one on intracervical insemination. If you’re exploring family-building options, Resolve.org is an excellent resource, and for couples navigating their fertility journey, visit Make a Mom for guidance.