By: Emma Rivers
Date: Oct. 30, 2023
While driving one day, I found myself belting out “Venus” by Bananarama, completely lost in the music. Suddenly, my daughter’s voice pierced through my reverie from the backseat.
“Mommy, why are you singing a song about…uh, you know?”
I paused, caught off guard.
“Is that what the song says? Because it doesn’t sound right!”
Ah, children—they have a unique ability to turn our worlds upside down, often leaving us in fits of laughter or bewilderment. One moment, they seem to be testing our patience, and the next, they surprise us with their innocent observations and questions.
Motherhood is inherently unpredictable. I often advise new parents to disregard any parenting manuals they’ve collected during pregnancy. They are largely irrelevant. The truth is, children are filled with surprises, and no amount of planning can prepare you for the reality of raising them.
When I first held my newborn, I was handed a tiny being that was a blend of me and entirely different at once. It took a moment for me to comprehend that this little person was my responsibility. All the theories and advice I had absorbed during those long months of pregnancy seemed to evaporate in an instant. Thankfully, I was too exhausted to feel overwhelmed. I decided to start fresh—that’s the essence of parenthood.
Parenting is a multifaceted challenge, and experts have been trying to decode it for years, yet none of us truly has it nailed down—not even the so-called experts. They often contradict each other on co-sleeping, breastfeeding, and diet during pregnancy. If it exists, there’s likely a study on it. But in the end, you must toss out the expectations.
Our primary roles as parents are to love our children, meet their basic needs, and trust our instincts. These roles manifest differently in every family because we all have unique dynamics. Trying to force your experiences into someone else’s mold will only lead to disappointment. Letting go of preconceived notions allows you to see your child as the distinct individual he or she is, making it essential to adapt your approach. Motherhood is as much about personal growth as it is about nurturing your children.
At some point, you realize you are the expert of your own family. After clarifying to my daughter that the song was about Venus, the goddess of love, not what she thought, I felt grateful for her curious mind. “I don’t want that to happen!” she exclaimed.
“That would be quite unfortunate!” I replied with a chuckle.
Moments like these are not covered in any parenting guide, and that’s perfectly fine. The unpredictable nature of being a parent is what makes it all worthwhile.
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In summary, embracing the unexpected is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a parent. It teaches us adaptability and deepens our connection with our children in ways we never anticipated.
Keyphrase: Expecting the Unexpected in Parenthood
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