10 Things I Wish I Did Before Having Kids

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As a mom of a 6-year-old and a soon-to-be 2-year-old, it’s easy to forget what life was like before kids—when I could sleep until noon or enjoy an entire Saturday of leisurely window shopping. I love my children more than anything, but sometimes I can’t help but miss the freedom of my pre-parenting days. It’s perfectly natural to reminisce about those times, and recognizing that things were a bit easier back then doesn’t take away from my joy in motherhood.

Looking back, I often think, “I wish I had really savored those moments!” Or I read about someone who took a solo trip around the globe and think, “I should’ve done that when I had the chance!” While it’s not impossible to do some of these things now, it definitely wouldn’t be as easy or as fun. Plus, with my little ones still so young, some adventures might have to wait a decade or more. But dreams are free, right?

So, to all the expectant mamas out there, here are 10 things I wish I had done—or appreciated—before becoming a parent. Sound familiar?

1. Sleep in Late: These days, waking up at 7 a.m. feels like a luxury.
2. Live Alone: I’ve always shared space with someone, whether it was my parents, roommates, or my husband. I often wonder what it might have been like to have my own place. Nowadays, I’d be thrilled just to use the bathroom in peace.
3. Travel More: I wish I had explored exotic destinations that are tricky to reach with kids, like India, Mt. Kilimanjaro, or a dreamy South Pacific island.
4. Enjoy Lazy Sundays: There was a time when lounging in my PJs all day to binge-watch “Beverly Hills, 90210” or Lifetime movies was a regular thing.
5. Relax at the Beach: Beach days used to mean soaking up the sun and reading magazines. Now, it feels like I’m carrying half the house with me while keeping an eye on my little explorers.
6. Be Spontaneous: Deciding to go on a weekend getaway or meeting friends for happy hour on a whim is nearly impossible with nap schedules and activities to juggle.
7. Date Nights: It was once so easy to just go out for dinner or catch a movie. Now, planning a night out is a whole production, and we often end up waiting for movies to come out on Redbox or opting for takeout.
8. Pursue Further Education: I wish I’d gone for a master’s degree or considered a career change while I had the time.
9. Enjoy Intimacy Freely: Being spontaneous in that aspect of life? What’s that?
10. Cross-Country Road Trips: Just the thought of packing up for a long drive seems like a distant dream.

Did you have a pre-baby checklist too? For more insights on family life, check out this post from our other blog here.

Remember, while parenting brings its own set of joys and challenges, sometimes it’s nice to reflect on what we miss. And for those considering starting a family, resources like Medical News Today can provide valuable information, and if you’re thinking about at-home insemination, Make A Mom is the top provider in the world.

Summary

Reflecting on pre-parenting life can help expectant mothers appreciate what they may miss, from sleeping in to spontaneous adventures. While motherhood is fulfilling, it’s normal to long for those carefree days.