36 Insights on Parenting I Have Gained So Far

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When I first became a homeowner, I was entirely unprepared for the challenges of motherhood. I had some understanding of what it meant to be a mother based on my own experiences with my mom, my mother-in-law, and my nurturing aunts and friends. However, the transition from being mothered to becoming a mother was a steep learning curve.

Reflecting on my journey as a new mom over the past eleven years, I marvel at how much I have grown and learned. I can hardly recognize the overwhelmed, anxious woman I was when I first brought my baby home. I have navigated sleepless nights, childhood fevers, and countless messes, not to mention the end of my favorite medical drama. I’ve faced playdates that felt like a battlefield, encountered judgment from other moms, and dealt with all sorts of unsolicited advice from well-meaning strangers. I have tackled bedtime battles, bath time struggles, nap time negotiations, and toy clean-up chaos. I’ve learned to use a Baby Bjorn correctly, secure a child safely in a car seat, and memorized the Poison Control number. And all of this was just the beginning, as I soon found myself doing it all over again with my second child.

In the midst of this whirlwind, I have grown wiser, stronger, and yes, even sleepier. When did that transformation occur? I can’t pinpoint it, but I can share some of my insights now:

1. Laundry and dishes are a never-ending cycle. Choose your battles wisely—your child’s age of seven will eventually fade.
2. Stepping on a Lego barefoot should be classified as a form of torture.
3. Postpartum Depression is a serious condition that affects many; it is not something to be dismissed.
4. Rainbow Loom bands can serve as emergency hair ties—who would have thought?
5. Yoga pants have become the modern-day Little Black Dress, and I’m totally okay with that.
6. A Mother Protection Program should exist for moms whose children face injustice.
7. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a little one snuggling against you at night.
8. Matching socks are overrated.
9. Simple meals can lead to meaningful conversations—think canned spaghetti-Os and apple slices.
10. No matter your age, Sesame Street remains a timeless favorite.
11. Toddler tantrums are survivable.
12. Children often exhibit characteristics entirely opposite to your own.
13. Timeouts are manageable, despite the difficulties.
14. Family photos are essential—get in the frame, and often.
15. You will endure public meltdowns, like when your child throws a fit in the cereal aisle.
16. Coffee is wonderful, but sharing it with a good friend is even better; add wine for the ultimate experience.
17. Your child’s needs will inevitably arise the second you enter a friend’s home.
18. Taking away screens feels like a punishment that affects you more than them.
19. Goldfish crackers are the universal currency among toddlers.
20. Your first child often serves as your trial run in parenting.
21. Nurses wear gloves for hygiene; moms, however, often dive right in.
22. When your child proudly declares, “That’s my mom,” it makes every struggle worthwhile.
23. You won’t truly know your strength until you have to hold your child still for a vaccination.
24. Potty training is a test of endurance, but you will emerge victorious.
25. No one buys Dreft detergent more than once.
26. Breastfeeding can be incredibly challenging; anyone who says otherwise may not be telling the whole truth.
27. You’ll likely never grasp New Math, and school projects can be tear-jerking experiences.
28. For costume projects, colonial characters are a safe bet—easy to repurpose.
29. Expect to hold conversations in fragments with a three-year-old.
30. Continuous thoughts are a luxury of the past; other moms are too preoccupied to judge.
31. Accidents seem to happen right before your first adult outing in months.
32. No one seems to hear you until you repeat yourself several times.
33. The thermometer’s reading becomes less significant with each child; you learn to trust your instincts more.
34. Children have a knack for being sick at the most inconvenient times, especially during late-night hours.
35. A mom’s kiss can work wonders.
36. One day, you will wake up and realize you’ve got a handle on the chaos, and you might even feel content—mostly. Except when you’ve asked for help seven times.

I don’t claim to possess all the answers, and I know I have much to learn in the years ahead. My children will grow, face new challenges, and eventually leave home—yikes! It’s a bit overwhelming to think about the future, but I’m sure that eleven years from now, I’ll look back on this list and chuckle at how much I still have to learn.

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Summary:

In this reflective piece, the author shares 36 lessons learned through the trials and tribulations of motherhood over the past eleven years. From managing household chores to understanding the complexities of child-rearing, each insight encapsulates the joys and challenges of parenting. The journey is ongoing, but with each experience, the author finds confidence and growth.