Before stepping into the world of motherhood, you may envision the kind of mom you aspire to be and how you will raise your children. But once that little one is placed in your arms, reality hits hard. In those early days, it’s all about survival, and eventually, you start doing what works best for you and your family. As time passes, you learn to trust your instincts and care less about others’ opinions.
Reflecting on my own journey as a first-time mom (FTM), I had lofty ideas about parenting and the kind of mother I would be. I was convinced my kids would be unique, and I would be the ultimate mom. Fast forward a few years, and I can’t help but wish I could tell FTM Sarah to keep quiet! Seriously, I quickly learned just how little I knew about parenting. Many of the things I thought were crucial turned out to be trivial, and the things I assumed would be easy? They nearly broke me. So, here are ten moments I should have kept my mouth shut as a FTM:
- FTM Sarah: I wish educational shows like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse were more enriching.
Seriously? Numbers, shapes, colors, and friendship are all educational! Anything beats the endless cycle of “Baby Shark” you’re subjected to now. - FTM Sarah: I will never let my kids use my phone or iPad when we’re out to eat.
We tried, really. But after countless attempts to keep two toddlers quiet, we caved. Enjoying a meal in peace is worth it, so now we let the screens entertain them while we indulge in our food. - FTM Sarah: I’ll strictly limit screen time to one hour daily.
You might as well accept this now: it’s not going to happen, so move on from that guilt! - FTM Sarah: I’ll create engaging preschool homeschooling activities over the summer.
I had grand plans last summer but ended up doing absolutely none of them. - FTM Sarah: I won’t allow my kids to eat in my car.
Hah! If you could see your minivan now, you’d realize it’s practically a snack graveyard. Those Goldfish crumbs are definitely not part of the original carpet. - FTM Sarah: I will use cloth diapers.
And then reality hit. With a premature baby and a NICU stay, cloth diapering quickly slipped to the bottom of the priority list. Time to invest in disposable diapers! - FTM Sarah: I will exclusively breastfeed.
With a low milk supply, that didn’t go as planned. And that’s perfectly okay. - FTM Sarah: My kids will eat only organic, unprocessed foods.
Sure, that worked for the first year. But watch out when your child turns down simple meals like frozen lasagna or boxed mac and cheese! - FTM Sarah: I won’t let my home be overtaken by toys.
What was once a living room is now a playroom explosion. Good luck finding the couch! - FTM Sarah: I won’t let my kids run around with runny noses.
I used to cringe at this, not understanding how any mom could allow it. Now, I realize that runny noses are just part of the package, and honestly, who has time for tissues?
So, what were some expectations you had as a first-time mom that didn’t quite pan out? Did you have to eat your words on anything you once said you’d never do? For more insightful discussions on motherhood, check out this article on home insemination with a great resource from Parents and explore options like the Artificial Insemination Kit for your family planning journey. For a deeper dive into parenting topics, visit Modern Family Blog where they offer valuable insights.
In summary, motherhood is a journey filled with unexpected lessons and humbling realizations. The ideals you once held may transform as you navigate the wild ride of raising children.