- We’re just winging it. When we became parents, we didn’t receive a manual or a detailed guide. We were regular folks, and then suddenly, we were parents. Age doesn’t mean we magically know how to handle everything that comes our way.
- We have candid conversations about you. It may sound unfair, but it’s hard to witness your journey through adolescence without chatting about it with friends. While we maintain our composure around you, the moment you’re off to school, I’m calling my best friend to share the latest.
- We sometimes dread consequences as much as you do. When we take away your electronics for a week, it’s not just tough on you; it’s tough on us too.
- You didn’t prepare us for the younger siblings. Just because you’re the oldest doesn’t mean your younger siblings will get away with more. It’s simply that we’re utterly exhausted by the time the third or fourth child comes along.
- Not all kids are our favorites. Just because we have children doesn’t mean we automatically adore every child. Some of your pals can be quite bothersome or overbearing, and honestly, they can drive us up the wall.
- We have favorites, but they change. Good news: the favorite child is selected on an ongoing basis, influenced by your behavior. You can easily be in the spotlight or left out, depending on your actions. Typically, playtime ends up being fair in the long run.
- We’re just as tired of our meals. Some of us once relished cooking, but after being responsible for feeding you three times a day, every day, the excitement has worn off considerably.
- We get a mere 73 seconds of bliss after returning from an adults-only vacation. That’s how long we enjoy the hugs and kisses before the whining and bickering start, making us wish we could escape again.
- We tell little white lies when you’re young. “Sorry, the store was out of your favorite crackers,” or “That toy must have been misplaced during car service.” Sometimes the truth is just too much to handle.
- Caillou? No thanks. We collectively agree that we can’t stand that show.
If you’re interested in more advice and stories about parenting, check out our other posts, such as those found at intracervicalinsemination.com. Also, for a deeper dive into home insemination, visit makeamom.com. For further reading on pregnancy, Progyny offers fantastic resources worth exploring.
In summary, parenting is a journey filled with surprises and challenges. We navigate daily dilemmas without a roadmap, sometimes sharing our thoughts with friends, dealing with the same frustrations you do, and occasionally bending the truth to keep the peace.