Back when I was a confident spouse and not yet a parent, I thought I had motherhood all figured out. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. In fact, the lessons are ongoing, and I’m still learning each day. Here are my ten motherhood insights that have developed over time.
1. My fears have multiplied.
It’s not just the lurking dangers of the outside world that worry me; it’s the little things that keep me up at night. Concerns about a 6-week-old with bronchiolitis, a 2-year-old who won’t stop bleeding from a minor cut, or a 5-year-old’s heartbreak when a friend chooses someone else to play with all loom large. The reality is, parenting is a constant navigation through life’s challenges.
2. Self-doubt is a daily visitor.
Some days, I feel like I’ve got it all together. Other days, I question everything. Am I too strict? Am I spending enough time with my kids or perhaps too much? Am I giving them the right guidance? It’s a never-ending cycle of second-guessing.
3. My patience surprises me.
I’ve never considered myself a patient person, especially when faced with slow walkers or long lines. Yet, I can answer endless questions about Peppa Pig without losing my cool.
4. I see beauty in the little things.
Cheesy, I know, but stepping back from my busy life has allowed me to notice the world around me. Watching my children take their time lets me appreciate the beauty of baby birds, vibrant flowers, and azure skies. It’s a reminder to relish the present.
5. My capacity for love has no limits.
When I was pregnant with my second child, I doubted I could love him as much as my first. I was wrong. When the twins arrived, I was convinced I wouldn’t be able to love each of them equally. Yet somehow, my heart has expanded to embrace all four of my children even more deeply than I imagined.
6. I can tap into reserves I didn’t know I had.
My twins were born prematurely and spent two weeks in the NICU. During that time, I juggled hospital visits, cared for my other children, and managed to stay strong. Even when my husband is away, I find a way to manage solo parenting without breaking down. We parents are capable of more than we realize.
7. Kids are endlessly fascinating.
I anticipated that my second child would struggle with the arrival of twins. Instead, he embraced his new role as a big brother with open arms, showing affection for the babies as he calls them. And how do they manage to sleep surrounded by 586 Hot Wheels? I still don’t get it!
8. I crave connection but also solitude.
Motherhood is a paradox. With four kids running around, solitude is rare, yet I long for moments of peace. But when I finally get that time alone, I find myself missing my little ones and yearning for their warmth and presence.
9. Parenting tests relationships.
Each new child has brought its own set of challenges, from navigating my relationship with my husband to managing ties with family and friends. Some friendships have faded, while others have transformed into more distant connections. My priorities have shifted dramatically, especially with four kids aged five and under.
10. Time is a tricky concept.
Some days drag on, while others fly by in the blink of an eye. I look at my eldest son and wonder how his baby face has turned into a young boy. The two weeks I spent worrying about the NICU felt like an eternity, yet here we are, six months later. I’ve come to realize that both days and years can feel long and short; it’s all about embracing each moment.
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Summary
Motherhood is filled with unexpected truths that continue to evolve. From fears and self-doubt to surprising love and new perspectives, every day brings its own lessons. Embrace each moment, as they are all part of this beautiful journey.
Keyphrase: Motherhood Insights
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