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The Journey of Parenthood: It Doesn’t Get Easier
Updated: Dec. 19, 2015
Originally Published: Dec. 19, 2015
Let me start by saying that I cherished those moments with my little ones—fresh from the bath, wrapped in cozy footie pajamas, their sweet scent lingering in the air. I adored the laughter as we raced through stores where running was frowned upon, and the sheer joy of discovering nature’s wonders together. Being a mom to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers was a delightful experience, filled with heartwarming memories.
Yet, it was undeniably exhausting. I often found myself longing for a moment when I could shut my bedroom door and lose myself in a book while they were occupied elsewhere—carefree and not putting random objects in their mouths or exploring electrical outlets. And now, that time has finally arrived.
But, truth be told, I sometimes miss those early days. There was a simplicity in being able to scoop them up and soothe their tantrums with a game of peek-a-boo or a comforting hug that made everything right in their world. It’s a common human tendency to yearn for what once was, and often, we don’t fully appreciate those fleeting moments until they’ve passed.
As my children have grown older, things haven’t unfolded as I anticipated. I had my own ideas about parenting teens, having been a teenager myself when my first child was born. I thought I understood the pitfalls to avoid. However, as I navigate this new terrain, it’s clear that I underestimated the challenges. Parenting teenagers can be tough, and tweens can present their own set of challenges—sorry to break it to you, fellow moms, but it doesn’t necessarily get easier as they grow.
My eldest is now in college, and while I’ve been fortunate to avoid many typical teenage struggles—like arguments about curfews or nights out—I know that these challenges await with my younger kids. My oldest has always been a joy, a remarkable person with a strong sense of self. Though her academics could use some improvement, I am immensely proud of the young woman she is becoming.
I treasure all of my children. They are good kids who generally excel in school and mostly steer clear of trouble. However, no one prepared me for the reality that parenting becomes increasingly complex as they age. Those emotional moments when my kindergartner faced challenges with peers were merely practice for more intense situations—like my son coming home after standing up for himself in a fight, or my middle-schooler dealing with friends who stumble into trouble.
And then, there are the weightier issues—like discovering signs of self-harm on my daughter’s arms. These experiences are undoubtedly challenging, and they don’t get easier as time goes on.
If you’re curious about more parenting insights, check out this other blog post for some useful information. And for those interested in the journey to parenthood, you might find this resource on pregnancy helpful. For anyone looking into home insemination, this is a great place to start, providing expert guidance.
In summary, the journey of parenting is filled with ups and downs. While we may long for the simplicity of early childhood, the challenges we face grow and evolve as our children do. Embracing each phase with an open heart is essential, even as we navigate the complexities of raising teenagers and tweens.