10 Surprising Truths About Parenting You’ll Only Discover by Having Kids

Having children is a journey filled with unexpected insights and realities. Before I had kids, I often heard the phrase, “You don’t know what it’s like until you have them.” I rolled my eyes, thinking I understood the basics. Sure, kids are adorable, but they also demand a lot of effort—right? Well, now that I’m a parent of three, I realize just how naive I was. Here are some hard truths about parenting that you can’t fully grasp until you’re in the thick of it.

1. Kids Are Messy

Most people grasp the concept of children being messy—they poop, pee, and vomit. However, when you’re the one on cleanup duty, it’s a different story. Beyond diapers and the occasional stomach bug, you may find yourself facing scenarios like your child having an accident in the mall or forgetting to pull down their pants during a bathroom visit. These messy moments aren’t rare, especially in the early years. Cleaning up after little ones can feel like a never-ending battle, with you often ending up with some of that mess on yourself.

Speaking of gross habits, every child will, at some point, eat their own boogers. Yes, it’s true! And let’s not forget the treasure trove of forgotten snacks they might discover in the oddest places—like half-eaten fries hidden under the couch cushions.

2. Kids Are Dirt Magnets

Before becoming a parent, I had a vague idea about children and mess, but nothing prepared me for the sheer volume of dirt and crumbs that would invade my home. No matter how often you wipe them down, crumbs will find their way into every nook and cranny. You’ll be surprised to find remnants of snacks in your bed, your car, and even inside the toothpaste tube. Just accept that your house will be a crumb-filled wonderland.

Moreover, everything in your home will become sticky. From toys to doorknobs—nothing escapes the sticky fingers of children. You’ll need ample cleaning supplies to keep up with the chaos.

3. Kids Are Toy Hoarders

Once you have kids, toys will multiply at an alarming rate. Your home will soon resemble a chaotic toy store. Friends and family will contribute to the clutter, often gifting toys that are loud and annoying. Even if you try to limit the influx of toys, they seem to come from every direction, including fast-food kids’ meals. You’ll end up with baskets, bins, and shelves overflowing with toys.

Initially, you might attempt to organize their toys, but eventually, you’ll throw in the towel and just toss everything into whatever container is available. It’s a losing battle, and embracing the chaos might save your sanity.

4. Kids Are Always Hungry

Kids are notorious for their relentless appetite. Regardless of whether they’re picky eaters or adventurous foodies, they will always want a bite of whatever you’re eating. This leads to two main strategies: If they enjoy the food, don’t share a single bite; if they don’t, give them a mouthful so they realize it’s not worth their time. Either way, expect to find yourself hiding in the kitchen just to enjoy a meal in peace.

But their mooching extends beyond food—be prepared to see your chapsticks, deodorants, and pens mysteriously disappear.

5. Kids Don’t Sleep When You Want Them To

Everyone knows new parents lose sleep, but the unpredictability of kids is a whole different challenge. Just when you think you have their sleep schedule figured out, they’ll throw a wrench in your plans. They will sleep in on days you have something to do and wake at dawn when you could use a few extra minutes of rest. You’ll learn that the only constant in parenting is unpredictability.

6. Kids Are Incredibly Needy

From the moment they arrive, newborns require constant attention. But as they grow, their neediness can become even more pronounced. You’ll find yourself fulfilling their demands for years, from helping with homework to attending to their emotional needs. This ongoing requirement for attention can be overwhelming, and it’s something that often catches new parents off guard.

Conclusion

Parenthood is a wild ride filled with unexpected challenges and delightful moments. While you can prepare yourself with information and resources, such as understanding the basics of artificial insemination through an excellent resource like Wikipedia, nothing can truly prepare you for the hands-on experience of raising children. So, if you’re ever considering starting a family, brace yourself for the beautiful chaos that lies ahead. For those looking to boost their fertility, check out Make a Mom for valuable insights. And if you’re interested in home insemination options, don’t miss this post on intracervical insemination.