If there’s one thing I’ve come to realize, it’s that pregnancy and parenting don’t exactly go hand in hand. With a little one growing inside you, it’s nearly impossible to maintain your parenting prowess. While I’ve never claimed to be the perfect parent, my journey through this pregnancy has taken me to a new level of “whatever works.” I’ve had to adapt my standards, and let’s be real—I’m in full survival mode. Here are my confessions of how I’ve lowered my parenting expectations during this time.
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I allowed my son to munch on a fast-food burrito while glued to his tablet in bed. When I discovered ground beef remnants on his sheets the next morning, I simply brushed them off without a second thought. Laundry? Not today.
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I’ve let my son pee in a cup and toss it in the toilet, simply because it buys me an extra 30 seconds to rest. Potty training hack? You bet.
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I’ve resorted to telling my son that everything is closed just so I can avoid leaving the house. The park? Closed. Ice cream shop? Closed. Target? Oh, it’s mysteriously closed too. But funny enough, my favorite taco spot is still in business.
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I’ve hidden or thrown away any toys that require me to lift a finger. Anything with small pieces is out. Legos, puzzles, figurines—you name it. I can’t risk tripping over them; that’s a serious pregnancy hazard.
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I’ve told my son that his friends are busy so we can skip playdates. I’m all for him socializing, but I know the chaos that ensues when little ones come over. Snacks, toy explosions, and surprise bathroom emergencies? No, thanks.
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After receiving an email from his teacher about his behavior, I just ignored it. I didn’t have the energy to respond, so I sent it to the trash folder and hoped it would magically resolve itself. At this point, his school behavior is their problem, not mine.
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When I noticed my son had a little accident, I told him not to sweat it and that it would dry. I suggested he go enjoy the sun for a quicker dry. He didn’t have any clean underwear, and I simply lacked the motivation to hunt for some.
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After a long day of swimming and slathering on sunscreen, I decided that a bath was unnecessary. And yes, I didn’t change the sheets afterward. I shudder to think what might be living in them.
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When we ran out of toilet paper, I resorted to tearing paper towels into small pieces as a makeshift solution. This lasted for two days! In my defense, at least it’s better than using leaves, right?
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I’ve convinced my son that doing chores will help him grow taller and possibly turn into a dinosaur—a dream of his. “Fetch me that drink and you might sprout wings,” I tell him. Whatever works, right?
While I’m aware that my parenting tactics during this pregnancy may raise eyebrows, I’ve come to embrace this laid-back approach for now. My son will eventually face the return of the “strict mom” who cares about wholesome meals and limited screen time. Or maybe this more relaxed style is here to stay—who knows, especially with two kids in the mix? I can only hope my parenting choices don’t leave him recounting them in therapy one day.
If you’re interested in learning more about pregnancy and home insemination, check out this post from our other blog: 10 Ways to Lower Your Standards During Home Insemination. And for those considering at-home insemination, Make a Mom’s BabyMaker Kit is a reliable option. Additionally, Parents.com offers fantastic resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Navigating parenting while pregnant is no easy feat, and sometimes survival mode means lowering your standards. From fast food in bed to ignoring school emails, these confessions highlight the reality of parenting during pregnancy. It’s about finding what works, even if it looks a little less than perfect.
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