Before having children, many women often have strong opinions about how they will approach motherhood. They might observe moms struggling with tantrums in public or managing chaos at the dinner table and vow never to find themselves in those situations. Alternatively, they might hear stories of mothers effortlessly giving birth at home while balancing various tasks, only to realize that such a lifestyle isn’t for them.
Fast forward a couple of years, and you may find yourself ordering a home birth kit while your toddler throws a fit in the midwife’s office. Motherhood can lead to unexpected choices and feelings, sometimes even shaping you into a version of your own mother. Here are 15 common rites of passage that many mothers experience:
- You will find yourself pushing one of those oversized shopping carts shaped like a car through the grocery store, kids spilling out from every opening. Despite your disdain for the cart and what it represents, you will feel an irrational pang of frustration if you arrive to find them all taken.
- You will miss appointments or social gatherings and blame it on your child. Forget about the time you scoffed at coworkers using their kids as excuses; now, you embrace it, as it’s your turn to utilize that handy get-out-of-jail-free card.
- You may venture out, possibly even to a job interview, with stickers adorning your clothing, entirely unaware until you return home, ready for bed.
- You will find yourself catching your child’s vomit—perhaps with your bare hands—in public settings that are ill-equipped for such emergencies. Picture being on an airplane or at a restaurant when it strikes. There are few experiences more mortifying than ruining a day for a crowd of eager children.
- You will do everything in your power to prevent your toddler from napping in the car. When all else fails and they doze off, you will remain in the car, reading, just to avoid the chaos of transferring them to bed.
- You will injure yourself attempting to demonstrate your physical prowess to your child, whether it’s pogo sticking, skateboarding, or climbing on the jungle gym—only to realize that your body isn’t as resilient as it once was.
- You will encounter a “mom rival”—that one mother who irritates you to no end. She seems to be present in every aspect of your life, and her unsolicited advice will have you longing for an escape.
- You will start to sound just like your mother, and sometimes even your father, especially when it comes to reminding kids to turn off the lights. Surprisingly, you will be okay with this.
- You will find yourself showing random strangers photos of your children, often without prompting.
- During a playdate or class, you may engage in an unofficial “my baby is better than your baby” competition, despite your prior disdain for such comparisons.
- You will refer to yourself in the third person as “Mommy,” frequently forgetting your actual name, which barely gets used anymore.
- On Mother’s Day, you will grapple with guilt over wanting time alone, secretly wishing for a peaceful morning without a poorly-executed breakfast in bed.
- The moment you embarrass your middle schooler in public will make you feel ancient and decidedly uncool, especially when you do something they once found impressive.
- You will weep into your child’s beloved toy when you rediscover it buried in the toy box, missing an eye and carrying the scent of neglect.
- You will find yourself telling a new mother to “cherish every moment,” despite having once resented hearing such sentiments during your own challenging early days.
For more insights into the journey of motherhood, including various aspects of fertility and home insemination, visit this resource. If you’re considering the path of home insemination, check out this article for additional information. Also, Make A Mom offers a comprehensive guide on home insemination kits, ensuring you’re well-informed.
In summary, motherhood is a complex journey filled with unforeseen challenges and rites. Each experience, from public mishaps to moments of deep emotional connection, shapes your identity as a parent.