Before I had kids, I was sure I had all the answers. I was an authority on parenting, or so I thought. But once my little ones arrived, I quickly realized my confidence was misplaced. Even the basics, like changing diapers and bathing, left me scrambling for YouTube tutorials. My preconceived notions about parenting—rules, boundaries, and all the judgment I had towards others—vanished when it was my turn to dive in.
1. Screen Time
Before Kids (BK): I was adamant that my children would be screen-free until they turned two. Books, outdoor play, and crafts would fill our days. My kids would be mini geniuses, raised on creativity and culture!
After Kids (AK): “Do you want to watch cartoons or Netflix, sweetie?” My resolve crumbled fast. It turns out, having a baby meant I needed some screen time for myself too. So, while my baby was busy watching Sons of Anarchy upside-down, I embraced the occasional TV break. No shame in my game!
2. Fast Food
BK: McDonald’s? Never! I envisioned homemade meals, all organic and creatively shaped into animal faces.
AK: Never say never! Chick-fil-A became our go-to, and I savored every bite of those waffle fries. Gotta indulge sometimes, right?
3. Spanking
BK: Absolutely not! I was firmly against any form of physical discipline.
AK: While I still stand by not spanking, there have been moments where I imagined what it might be like to launch my kid across the room after a meltdown. Parenting can test your patience!
4. Public Tantrums
BK: I used to judge parents who let their kids lose it in public places. Where were the consequences?
AK: Now, I see my toddler’s tantrums as a T-Rex situation: if I stay calm and quiet, he might just forget I’m there while I sneak through the grocery store. Sometimes I even reward myself with a snack—hello, Funyuns!
5. Formula Feeding
BK: My breastfeeding class was a joke. I thought it would be a breeze—just me and my baby, feeding effortlessly.
AK: No one warned me about the struggle! My milk supply was nonexistent, and my baby was relentless. Pass me that bottle, please!
6. Mom Gear
BK: I was determined to maintain my pre-baby style and never resort to sweatpants.
AK: Fast forward to reality, and I’m now wondering how many days it’s been since my last shower. Let’s just say, my wardrobe has taken a hit!
7. Intimacy After Baby
BK: New sexy nursing bras? Yes, please! This would keep the spark alive!
AK: But walking around with a breastfeeding pillow strapped to my waist? Not exactly romantic.
8. Using Food as a Reward
BK: I believed giving food as a reward would create unhealthy habits. Stickers and praise were the way to go!
AK: Now, if you can make it through seven minutes without a meltdown, I’ll hand over this entire cake. Parenting is about survival, right?
9. Co-Sleeping
BK: No way would I share my bed with a child! That crib was bought for a reason.
AK: Well, technically, the baby hasn’t been in my bed because I haven’t been in my bed since labor began. I’ve spent countless nights in the rocking chair just trying to get some sleep.
If I could go back in time, I’d tell my pre-parent self to ease up on the judgment. Life with kids is unpredictable, and you really can’t understand what it’s like until you’re in the trenches yourself. And maybe, just maybe, I’d encourage her to let the mom with the fussy baby ahead in the grocery line. After all, we all have our battles to face!
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Summary:
This article explores the humorous and often surprising changes in parenting perspectives that occur once someone becomes a parent. From screen time to co-sleeping, the author reflects on the promises made before kids that often get tossed out the window once real-life parenting kicks in.
Keyphrase: Parenting Realities
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