Every now and then—let’s be honest, every hour on the hour—the demands of motherhood can feel overwhelming. It’s during these moments that we often find ourselves reminiscing about our carefree days, when our bodies felt firmer and our schedules were free of obligations to little ones. While I cherish my children deeply, I can’t help but long for the liberties that came with being childless. Yes, I had responsibilities back then too, but they were far less complicated without factoring in the needs of tiny humans. Here are eight things I find myself missing from my pre-baby existence:
- Carefree Spending
Ah, those blissful times when a spontaneous $150 splurge on makeup and nail accessories resulted in nothing more than a few awkward conversations about borrowing drinks on a night out. Unless you’re financially set (if so, can we come over?), having children significantly alters your financial landscape. What used to be discretionary spending now feels like a desperate need to stretch every dollar to cover various expenses. Enjoy your current wardrobe, because a new one may have to wait until your youngest is well into their twenties. - The Absence of Snack Crumbs
Gone are the days of a clean environment, free from Goldfish crackers. Now, they seem to appear everywhere: in the car, in diaper bags, and even ground into the upholstery of the couch. I used to relish a crumb-free existence, but now I find myself stress-eating those little orange snacks by the handful during the afternoon slump. - Late-Night Freedom
Staying up late without a care in the world was once a norm. Now, even weekends come with an imposed bedtime due to the early wake-up calls that come with parenting. Watching that last episode of your favorite show might seem tempting, but the 5 a.m. wakeup from a little one can quickly turn that late-night thrill into a regrettable decision. - Avoiding Poop Scenarios
There was a time when I didn’t have to witness the messy realities of diaper changes. Now, if I open a diaper and the process isn’t complete, I find myself awkwardly waiting, feeling like I’m coaching a laboring mother. The joys of parenthood definitely come with some unexpected duties. - Constant Desire for Intimacy
In the past, intimacy was a natural part of life. Now, exhaustion often supersedes desire, and I can’t believe I’d ever prefer sleep to intimacy. It’s a strange turn of events when the prospect of a restful night sounds far more appealing than a passionate encounter. - No Worries About Fashion Fails
Before kids, I didn’t need to worry about wardrobe malfunctions like camel toe. I could wear any type of pants without the fear of them becoming uncomfortably snug. Now, I find that my clothing seems to squeeze in all the wrong places, leaving me puzzled about my body’s changes. - Ignorance of Children’s Shows
What even is a Caillou? I still pretend not to know just to annoy my child. The world of children’s television is a strange one that I never anticipated becoming so familiar with. - The Shape of My Body
Oh, my once-perky backside, how I miss you. It’s a peculiar phenomenon how my rear has managed to become both larger and flatter simultaneously. Despite my efforts at exercise, it seems my shape has transformed in ways I never anticipated.
In summary, while motherhood is filled with its own rewards and joys, it often comes at the cost of certain freedoms and comforts from our pre-baby lives. For those seeking options related to family planning, resources like the At Home Insemination Kit and Intrauterine Insemination provide valuable insights into pregnancy and home insemination.