How Becoming a Parent Changes Your Life
From the moment we had Ethan, our lives were definitely changed. We had some rough times in the beginning with both kids, some sacrifice, but it’s totally worth it. And the sweet moments? Well they far outweigh the negative ones.
But how exactly does becoming a parent change your life? Let me tell you.
You have a new found respect for your parents.
I am definitely getting my paybacks for the things I put my parents through when I was a kid. And you know what that does? It gives you a new appreciation for all those things that you put your parents through while raising you. When you are young and know nothing, it’s easy to judge your parents and, at times, hate them. But now that you’re a parent, the light bulb goes on. And if you’re lucky, your parents are around to point out all the things your kid does that you used to do.
The Unconditional Love
My little one truly tests the unconditional love part of parenthood. No matter what he does, he flashes those big brown eyes and I melt. Even after I caught him drawing on the walls with a Sharpie, I can’t stay mad at him long. It’s also what drives you to go to bat for your kid, to sacrifice for their good, and to protect them from everything. The love a parent has for their child has no end.
Caring and Worrying about Everything and Anything
Back when I was young and only had myself to worry about, I didn’t have a care in the world. I never worried about a thing and often laughed at those that did. But once that little baby entered the world, boy did that change! Every decision I make not only impacts myself, but my child. Every move I make every day could impact their lives. And this is where the over worrying comes in. Because you will stress about every decision in your life from the minute to the major. Which leads me to…
Making Personal Decisions with Someone Else in Mind
The days of making split decision solely based on your needs are gone. It’s not all about you anymore. It’s about their needs and their wants. Gone are the days of being spontaneous! You never know when someone is going to get sick or hurt or miss a nap. You have to put your own needs and wants aside and think of those little people first. And when you do? Congratulations, you’re a responsible parent.
Nothing Is Yours Anymore
Remember, sharing is caring! And sharing takes on a whole new meaning when you become a parent. Having children means you are forced to share basically everything that once was yours. Your phone. Your tablet. Your bed. Your kids will want it all.
When you become a parent, you are changed in many, many ways. From the hugs and kisses to cleaning up poop off the bathroom floor, you will forever be a changed person.
And you wouldn’t have it any other way.
It’s the best thing in the whole world. Your children are adorable.
The sharing. I never thought I’d get so good at it…lol.
They are all true, but I have to mention the sharing everything. The other things I kind of expected, but not the sharing of EVERYTHING. And now my daughter is about the same size as me so I’m sharing clothes.
The pride! I can’t get over how such a simple thing as watching my daughter make a cross-over move in a basketball game can make me happy cry right there on the spot.
Oh my, yes the worrying will NEVER stop! Great post 🙂
LOVE that photo! So cute. Yes, this is all true, although that one about “nothing is yours anymore” is tough when you have a girl approaching your size, LOL!
Yes! Exactly. So often I think about what my husband adn I did before kids. and I honestly cannot imagine our life any other way. Sure the kids are exhausting but man, they are our life and I love it!
You’re such an awesome mom, and I am so appreciative that you are there when I have questions about raising two boys!
Great post (love the addition of “cleaning up poop off the bathroom floor”, lol). I think the thing that has changed most in me is patience and letting go of the little things. Well, the letting go is still sometimes a work in progress, but I recognize that 🙂
Hi, I am visiting you from Made Monday blog hop. This list is right on. Respect for my parents tops my list as well. And even though I still shrug off some of their parenting advice once in a while, shamefully, I come to realize they are still right.
Steph this post is amazing! I read it last night, but had to come back to comment!! Being a Mom is definitely the hardest, yet best thing I have ever done!! And you are so right…I wouldn’t have it any other way!
All of this is so true!!! Love this.
Very true, everything changes once you become a parent! It is a beautiful experience that stretches us to our limits and hopefully molds us into a more godly person, drawing closer to the image of Christ. Thanks for sharing on the Art of Home-Making Mondays this week!
Yes to all of your points! My appreciation of my mum has deepened since I became a parent, as I just get it now. And long gone are the carefree days! I’ve never been a worrier, but I do worry more now, have more guilt now, and feel things more keenly since becoming a mum. But then the joy makes it all so, so worth it #ShineBlogHop
LOL…oh boy does your life change. I, too, am getting payback for what I put my mother through. Sometimes I wonder how I am still alive, all the sass that I had. It definitely gives a whole new respect and understanding. And nope, nothing is yours anymore….at.all. #mom2momlinkup
YES! These are all wonderful, sometimes painful, yet beautiful truths about parenting.
Boy do I EVER respect my parents now (and totally understand their actions).
Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
Wishing you a lovely day.
xoxo
You are so right. Having Kids changes you in so many ways but I wouldn’t take anything for them!
Thank you for posting to Motivation Monday!
I love this post and couldn’t agree more, especially with the unconditional love part. No matter what my girls do to get me mad, I can never stay mad. They’re the only ones who have this power over me! Thanks for sharing at the #SHINEbloghop!