Having children changes your life in so many ways. Of course, we can all remember how naïve we were pre-kids, saying how things wouldn’t change – that we would still regularly get together with friends, go on date nights with our significant other, and travel. But in reality, things don’t ever stay the same once those little bundles of joy arrive.
Here are four things that I’ve given up since becoming a parent.
Being well rested
Like ever! I never wake up feeling refreshed and fully rested since having children. I had no idea what I was talking about pre-kids when I said I was “so tired”. Several times I have had to be a functioning member of society with only a few hours of sleep.
Focusing on one task at a time
Some days I feel like I’m working towards my Girl Scout multitasking badge. There are only so many hours in the day to get through homework, laundry, dinner, and dishes. I feel like it is a skill that you automatically receive upon discharge from the hospital. It is completely necessary for getting it all done while raising children.
Enjoying an uninterrupted meal
It never fails, the moment I sit down to enjoy a hot meal at the table with my family – someone inevitably needs a napkin, more ketchup, a different drink, or their food was served on the wrong colored plate.
Others approval
I’m sorry if that comes off a little brash but when it comes to my family, they are my top priority and I don’t care if you like my parenting choices. My oldest is 12 and while it took me many years to get to this point, motherhood has provided me with a sense of confidence that I didn’t have before becoming a parent. Of course, I still have the typical inner mom battle where I question everything and wish there was a parenting how-to for dummies book, but in the end, I know that my husband and I are the only ones that know what is best for our family. Raising a family isn’t always easy and what works for my family might not work for my neighbor, and that is perfectly fine.
There is one thing that I will always do as a parent…
Love Unconditionally
The love a parent has for their children is astonishing and fierce. I would bend over backward to protect my children. I put their needs and wants above my own without a second thought. Being their mommy is one of the greatest gifts and so worth every rollercoaster moment.
