When I was a kid, I was notorious for testing boundaries. My mom repeatedly warned me against swinging on the shower curtain rod, but my adventurous spirit led me to ignore her wise counsel. After countless attempts to see if I could defy gravity, I ended up sprawled on the bathroom floor, with a broken curtain rod and an understandably furious mother. “I told you so,” she exclaimed. Lesson learned, albeit the hard way.
Parenting is much the same; while we certainly share a wealth of knowledge with each other, some lessons can only be grasped through experience. Here are some parenting truths I’ve learned the hard way—ones you might also need to discover for yourself.
- Opt for Larger Diapers
One of my friends shared a valuable parenting tip: if your baby is soaking through diapers, it’s a sign they need a larger size, not a smaller one. I learned this lesson the messy way after being unexpectedly peed on during a diaper change. - Recognizing True Support
It took me nearly four decades to understand what genuine support looks like. Spoiler: it’s not unsolicited advice or those smug “I told you so” moments. Real support is compassionate and understanding. - There’s a Limit to Cookie Dough
As comforting as cookie dough can be, it’s easy to overindulge. I often find myself crossing the line from comfort food to stomachache, typically only realizing it after it’s too late. - Mastering the Art of Sleep
Sleep strategies vary from co-sleeping to rigorous sleep training. Sometimes, though, the best approach is simply to wait it out, invest in earplugs, and down copious amounts of coffee while venting to friends about your sleepless nights. - Spotting a True Friend
A real friend won’t ghost you until they need something. They’re the ones who respond to your 2 a.m. messages, admitting they’re just as lost as you are. - Avoid Toddler Corn Before Road Trips
Trust me on this one—some lessons are better learned before rather than during a trip. - Keep a Tampon Handy
That surprise early period always seems to strike at the least convenient moments. I once found myself at the pool with broken tampon machines, relying on a teenager at the front desk for help. - Perms Aren’t the Answer
I have fourth-grade photos to prove that when trying to change up your look, a perm is not always the best solution. - Appreciating Your Body
I often criticize my body, focusing on flaws. Yet, when faced with illness or injury, I’m reminded of its incredible strength and resilience. - Guilt Is a Relentless Shadow
Parents seem hardwired to feel guilty—about everything. Whether you’re working or staying home, feeding your child junk food, or even just checking your phone, the guilt never seems to take a break. - Be Cautious with Advice
Not everyone’s advice is worth following. Sometimes, the best lessons come from personal experience, and yes, some parenting truths are best learned the hard way.
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In summary, while parenting can be daunting, many of the lessons we learn—especially the hard ones—are essential in shaping us into better parents. Embrace the journey, share your experiences, and remember we’re all just trying to figure it out together.
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