When we purchased our first home, I was completely clueless about what it meant to be a mom. Seriously, I had no idea—just a faint understanding based on how my own mother raised me, the nurturing of my mother-in-law, and the love of my aunts and family friends who shaped my upbringing. I knew how to be cared for, but being a mother? That was a whole different ballgame. Oh, the lessons I’ve learned since then!
Looking back to my experience as a new mother over a decade ago, I marvel at how much I’ve grown. The nervous, overwhelmed version of myself has evolved into someone more confident (although mildly sleep-deprived!). I’ve tackled sleepless nights, fevers, unexpected messes, and the bittersweet end of my favorite TV shows. I’ve navigated the treacherous waters of playdates, dealt with judgmental comments from strangers, and wrestled with bedtime, bath times, and toy clean-up like a seasoned warrior. I even learned how to handle two kids—what a feat!
Somewhere along the way, I became wiser, stronger, and yes, sleepier. When did that transformation happen? Honestly, I can’t pinpoint it. But here’s what I do know now:
- Laundry and dishes are eternal; the age of seven, however, is fleeting—choose your battles wisely.
- Stepping on a Lego barefoot? That should definitely be classified as torture.
- Postpartum depression is a real and painful experience, and it deserves serious acknowledgment.
- Rainbow Loom elastics make for excellent hair ties in emergencies—who knew?
- Yoga pants have officially replaced the little black dress. And I am here for it!
- Moms deserve a Mother Protection Program when their kids are wronged.
- The feeling of a small child snuggled up against you during the night is pure bliss.
- Socks don’t need to match; it’s totally fine!
- Simple meals, like canned spaghetti-Os with apple slices, spark the best conversations.
- No matter your age, Sesame Street remains a timeless classic.
- You will survive the dreaded toddler tantrums.
- Expect your child to be the polar opposite of you in every way.
- Time-outs are not the end of the world; you’ll get through them.
- Family photos are crucial— don’t shy away from being in them, as your kids will cherish these memories.
- You’ll get through that moment when your child throws a fit in Target for not getting popcorn.
- Coffee is great, but coffee with a friend is even better. Wine with a friend? Now that’s perfection!
- The moment you enter a friend’s home, your child will need a snack, a bathroom break, and likely break something.
- Taking away screens is more painful for you than for them; it’s true!
- Goldfish crackers are the ultimate currency with toddlers; they work wonders in almost any situation.
- Your first child is your test subject; they’ll always be a work in progress.
- Nurses manage bodily fluids while wearing gloves—moms just skip them to save time!
- Hearing your child proudly say, “Yep! That’s my mom!” makes your heart swell with joy.
- You won’t realize your strength until you’re holding your child down for a shot.
- Potty training will be a challenge, but you will survive it.
- No one buys Dreft more than once; trust me.
- Breastfeeding is tough— like, really tough. Anyone who says otherwise is not being honest.
- New Math is a mystery, and school projects can honestly bring grown women to tears.
- When it comes to costumes, stick with colonial characters; they’re always a win!
- A three-year-old will outtalk you, no question about it.
- Your thoughts may be interrupted, but don’t worry, other moms can’t hear you over their own chatter either.
- Accidents will happen— usually when you finally have a babysitter for a night out.
- No one seems to listen until you’ve repeated yourself at least seven times.
- Once you have more than one child, fever readings become a guessing game based on forehead heat.
- Kids have a knack for vomiting at 2 AM, and always on the fresh sheets.
- Mom kisses truly work wonders.
- One day you’ll wake up and realize you’ve got a handle on the chaos. And you will find moments of happiness—mostly, unless you’ve asked for help with laundry seven times.
I’m not claiming to have all the answers, nor do I think I won’t continue to learn vital lessons in the future. My children will eventually drive, date, and leave the nest—just the thought makes me a little dizzy! I’m sure that in another eleven years, I’ll look back at this list and chuckle at how much I still have to learn.
For now, I’m grateful that I’ve grown into a better mom than I was in the beginning. With a lifetime of motherhood ahead of me, I hold onto the hope that one day, I’ll truly have it all figured out.
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