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.

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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?