Why didn’t anyone tell me that parenting is the toughest thing I’d ever do?
Yes, I’ve read about the sleepless nights, the nursing struggles, the bedtime battles. But I never knew things were going to be that hard.
I never knew I had to rock the baby so much before he could fall asleep. I never knew I would cry when the baby would not stop crying. I never knew I would have fears of losing control and unknowingly hurting the baby.
I never knew.
I never knew that the toddler could be such a pain with her incessant whining and her 24/7 demands. I never knew I had to tend to her emotional needs when baby brother came along, and that my absences would have such a profound impact on her development.
I never knew.
I never knew the stress and tiredness of having a newcomer to the family would affect our love lives. I never knew that we would have little time left to ourselves and little freedom to go about as we please.
I never knew.
I never knew I would feel so torn between work and family. I never knew I would feel guilty if I ditched one for the other. I never knew that irrational fears and paranoia would hit me whenever I’m away from home.
I never knew…But now I do.
Parenting is probably the toughest thing I’ve ever done in life. But also probably the best.
~~~
I never knew I could be deliriously happy whenever my baby chuckles / smiles / reaches out to explore my face with his fingers.
I never knew I could be flown to the moon and back when I hear my child say ‘I love you, mummy.’
I never knew that this laborious journey would serve to deepen our love and respect for each other.
And for these reasons and more, I have no regret becoming a parent.
What are some of the things you never knew you never knew?
I never knew how far a forkful of mashed potatoes could fly. Or the exact number of times I could watch a Bob the Builder DVD without starting to talk to the walls.
haha, or how far a baby’s poop could shoot.
Parenting is a noble responsibility. You mummies are great beyond words. Respect!
Looking forward to YOUR own journey too! Hopefully soon?
And I also never knew how long one can survive with no (ok fine, little) sleep and be fuelled on just by love :p
For about 2 years plus? After that, I just slept anyway.
Amen, June. Why don’t they teach us important life skills like parenting and family life at school or uni? When I became a parent, I had to wing it and fly by the seat of my pants *ouch*
You’re so right. I wouldn’t mind doing a Degree in Parenting and then getting good pay for being Chief Executive Mother!
This is a wonderful description of parenthood…you never know until you are one. Then you couldn’t imagine your life not being a parent.
Thanks Natalie! That sums it up so nicely…
I never knew I could learn so much from other parents through blogging… ;p When I first started out, it was just something personal. But now it is still personal, but it’s also like being in a community for sharing…
Ai @ Sakura Haruka
I never knew that too! Still learning…
I knew now, how my parents raised me, amazing why I never see my mum complain !! As a father, my empathy has heightened, I share in my kids joy and sorrow. When we read the news about some kids getting into accident or deprived of basic necessities, I feel sad for them.
Kids bring out all these emotional-side of me, which I was always too “macho” to admit
Wow, thanks for sharing that emotional side here, Andy. I agree, parenting really widens our range of emotions.
I never knew I could eat baby food and not gag.
Parenting is one of the toughest job and it’s something you can’t quit or retire from. But the rewards and bonuses are just the BEST!
You never fail to bring a smile to my face, G! Baby food is quite yum actually
I never knew I could touch poop and not want to vomit.
I never knew I could love so much. And I never knew arguing with a child could be so tiring.
Oh so true!