36 Insights on Motherhood

home insemination Kit

When we purchased our first home, my knowledge of motherhood was limited. I understood the role through the lens of my own mother, my mother-in-law, and various maternal figures in my life. However, knowing how to be mothered does not equate to knowing how to be a mother. I had a steep learning curve ahead of me.

Reflecting on my journey as a new mom over the past eleven years, I realize just how much I’ve learned. The nervous, overwhelmed, and postpartum depressed mother I once was has evolved into someone with far more confidence and insight.

I’ve tackled sleepless nights, sudden fevers, and the chaos that comes with parenting. From dealing with challenging playdates to navigating the opinions of others, I’ve fought through bedtime battles, bath times, and the endless cycle of cleaning up toys. I’ve learned the ropes of baby carriers, car seat safety, and even memorized the Poison Control number. Then, I did it all over again with a second child.

Here are 36 insights I’ve gained along the way:

1. Laundry and dishes are perpetual; however, the age of seven will pass. Choose your battles wisely.
2. Stepping on a Lego barefoot should be classified as a form of torture.
3. Postpartum depression is a serious and painful condition that should not be underestimated.
4. Rainbow Loom bands can serve as effective hair accessories in a pinch.
5. Yoga pants have officially replaced the little black dress.
6. Mothers should be entitled to a protective program when their children face injustice.
7. The warmth of a small child nestled against you at night is the true essence of comfort.
8. Socks can be mismatched without consequence.
9. Meals need not be elaborate; a can of Spaghetti-Os with sliced apples can foster meaningful conversations.
10. Age is irrelevant; Sesame Street remains a timeless classic.
11. You will endure toddler tantrums and emerge intact.
12. Expect your child to be the polar opposite of you in many ways.
13. You will navigate time-outs successfully.
14. Family photos are essential; make sure to be in them often, as your children will cherish these memories.
15. You will survive public meltdowns, such as in the snack aisle of Target.
16. Coffee is wonderful; sharing it with a friend is better; but wine with a friend is the ultimate experience.
17. Upon entering a friend’s house, anticipate the need for snacks or restroom breaks.
18. Taking away screens often punishes you more than them.
19. Goldfish crackers are the universal currency of toddlers.
20. Your first child will serve as your experimental subject in parenting.
21. While nurses wear gloves, mothers often skip them to save time when dealing with messes.
22. Hearing your child proudly proclaim, “That’s my mom!” is a heartwarming victory.
23. You won’t realize your own strength until you are holding your child during vaccinations.
24. Potty training will be challenging, but you will make it through.
25. No one buys Dreft detergent more than once.
26. Breastfeeding is challenging; if someone claims otherwise, they’re mistaken.
27. You may never grasp New Math, and school projects can push you to your emotional limits.
28. For costumes, always opt for a colonial character; it can serve multiple purposes over the years.
29. Engaging in conversation with a three-year-old can be nearly impossible.
30. The luxury of uninterrupted thoughts is a thing of the past, but other moms are likely too distracted to notice.
31. Accidents tend to occur just when you’re about to enjoy a long-awaited night out.
32. Your words often go unheard until you’ve repeated them multiple times.
33. After the first child, fever temperatures become less critical; dosages are often based on your child’s forehead temperature.
34. Children seem to vomit only at 2 AM and when clean sheets are unavailable.
35. A mother’s kiss can heal.
36. One day, you’ll wake up feeling somewhat in control of the chaos, and realize you’re generally content—except when laundry needs to be taken down for the seventh time.

While I recognize that my parenting journey is ongoing and that I have much more to learn—especially as my children grow, drive, and eventually live independently—I take comfort in knowing I have improved since my early days as a mom. For more insights on home insemination and parenting, consider checking out resources like this one, or visit Make a Mom for expert guidance. Additionally, Mount Sinai offers excellent resources for those navigating pregnancy and insemination.

In summary, motherhood is an evolving journey filled with challenges and triumphs. Each lesson learned contributes to a deeper understanding of parenting, fostering resilience and wisdom along the way.