Motherhood has turned me into a different person—one who is a bit more peculiar than I ever thought I’d be. Before kids, I was pretty laid-back, trusting life to work itself out. My biggest concern back then was figuring out how to fill those Thursday nights after Friends ended (seriously, that was a dark time for TV lovers!). My husband and I were free spirits, living life without worrying too much, except for the occasional money hiccup or a rough Sunday morning after a fun night out.
Then parenthood hit, and things got a little bizarre—especially my thought processes. The moment my son entered the world, I found myself in tears over an episode of Law & Order: SVU featuring a tragic storyline about a child. Suddenly, I was hyper-focused on locking doors at night and avoiding germs on shopping carts. If a stranger smiled at my baby in the store, I was convinced they were plotting to kidnap him. Peanut butter? A danger zone (thanks, allergies!). And hearing about a missing child on the news had me practically ready to lead a search party.
I can’t be the only one feeling this way—when I shared my experiences with friends, they all had their own tales of newfound, strange anxieties since becoming moms. One friend confessed that she gets unreasonably upset at the zoo when she sees mothers separated from their kids. It’s clear that motherhood brings out some quirks in all of us. Here’s a list of things that have become hard to handle since I became a mom, which may just prove that parenthood drives us a little bonkers.
- Baked Goods
Once upon a time, I was all in for trying every baked good in sight. I loved bake sales, even those at church on Sundays. But after watching my kids “help” in the kitchen—germy fingers in the batter, sneezes near the dough, and little tongues licking spoons—I’ve turned my back on school bake sales. Sorry, but I’m not risking my health for your homemade cookies! - Home Alone at Night
When my husband travels for work, I hardly sleep. Every creak and noise jolts me awake. I once came home to find my front door wide open while he was gone—let’s just say that led to an unexpected visit from half the police force. They probably think I’m a little unhinged, and honestly, I can’t argue with that anymore. - Flying
Traveling used to be a joy—long naps on planes and the occasional cocktail. Now, flying with kids feels like a risky endeavor. Turbulence sends my heart racing, and every pilot announcement has me bracing for the worst. While my kids are engrossed in movies, I’m scanning for exit signs and keeping an eye on fellow passengers. I miss the carefree days of flying. - Banks and Convenience Stores
A trip to the bank became a nightmare when I started worrying about armed robbers. I panicked about what I’d do if my baby started crying with a gunman present—what if I couldn’t comfort him? Since then, I’ve vowed to keep my kids away from banks and convenience stores. I only use drive-thrus for my coffee fix now. - Waterskiing and Contact Sports
On vacation, I had the chance to try waterskiing, but my mind kept drifting to the potential for injury. I imagined a scenario where I’d end up with a traumatic brain injury and my kids would be left without a mother. Now, I’m all about activities that don’t involve risking my own safety. - New Year’s Eve Outings
Going out on New Year’s Eve has lost its appeal. I dread the thought of drunk drivers as I drive my family to our yearly bash. Instead, I’d much rather celebrate the new year from the comfort of my couch while my little ones sleep soundly. - Subways and Elevators
Whenever I’m near a subway or elevator with my kids, I feel a wave of anxiety. I constantly worry that one of them will get on before I do, leaving me behind and sending my heart racing. I’m convinced I’ll be that mom frantically yelling, “Stay close!” even when they’re all grown up.
These quirks paint a vivid picture of my neurotic thoughts since becoming a mom. I know I’m not alone in this madness, so if you found yourself nodding along, just know that our kids have made us all a little bit wild. For more insights on parenting and its quirks, check out this resource on pregnancy or explore how to use an at-home insemination kit.
Summary
Motherhood certainly brings about unique anxieties and quirks that weren’t present before. From baked goods to flying and even navigating public spaces, parents often find themselves overwhelmed by new fears and worries. It’s a wild ride, but knowing you’re not alone in this journey can make the craziness feel a little more manageable.