PARENTHOOD.IE

There are things you probably never expected to have to go through, would say or have to do, when you became a parent. We have listed the most unexpected experiences you probably have faced as a parent, you probably recognise quite a few.

You were probably very clear about the type of parent you wanted to be, before you became a parent. You knew exactly what you were going to do and how you were going to deal with issues. The issues of the baby stage may tire us out, but it is later when the parental control starts slipping when your plans go out the window.

Becoming a parent probably changed your life so drastically you barely remember how life was before the kids. You will find yourself not believing the words coming out of your mouth, things you probably swore you never would say to your own child. But you are not alone, as parents we will face most of these situations.

You never thought, but you probably will...

Swell with pride and not know what to do with it, when your child is complimented by a stranger.

Find new sides to your parents, good and bad.

Get questioned about your choice of nappies, car seat, baby wipes, feeding, children’s shoes and
        more. Always having to explain or even defend your choices.

Have long conversations with other parents about your baby’s dirty nappies, the quality,
        consistency, colour and so on.

Feel cold fear when your child chokes on something.

Possibly find yourself saying things like: “Stop crying or I’ll give you something to cry about”

Use threats to make your child do what you want, and wonder if you could follow through.

Use bribery, when threats don’t work, to get out of pretty much any difficult situation
        with your child.

Get continuous questions about being broody or wanting more children, and having to explain
         yourself either way.

Walk cautiously around the house if you are barefoot, avoiding the minefield of small toys.

Not know what to do with free and unscheduled time.

Wonder what you did with your time when you didn’t have kids.

Regret you drank a bit too much and wasted a day being tired and cranky.

Find yourself doing a Google search on croup/funny spots/constipation in the middle of the night.

Learn more about food and nutrition than you ever did following a diet.

Wonder how you survived childhood without all the safety items your child seems to need.

Not want to admit your baby or child still sleeps in the bed with you.

You will be willing to buy and pay dearly for any gadget that gets you through your child’s current
         development stage easily.

Dream of having larger things, car, house, garden, bed, sofa…