When I embarked on my journey as a mother, I anticipated the usual responsibilities: diaper changes, nursing or bottle feeding, and preparing healthy meals. However, I was unprepared for the multitude of unexpected tasks that accompany the role of parenting. Here are seven surprising responsibilities I didn’t foresee.
- Hazardous Materials Specialist. Prior to motherhood, I was oblivious to the intricacies of laundry detergent advertisements. I now recognize that “protein stain” is a secret code for mothers, indicating which products can eliminate the most unpleasant messes. I’ve also become adept at swiftly cleaning vomit off walls during the night.
- Chief Archivist. Organization has never been my strong suit—my filing cabinet system is a chaotic mess. However, the sheer volume of artwork and keepsakes generated by my children has been overwhelming. Daily, I find myself holding onto items of questionable significance, such as the log we kept for my first child’s diaper changes from five years ago, and I must decide whether to keep or discard them.
- Flight Attendant. This role involves buckling children into their seats and repeatedly getting up to satisfy the needs of a demanding passenger. I’ve honed my ability to maintain a cheerful demeanor, even in frustrating situations.
- Water Bottle Researcher/Tester. Over five years, I have spent a staggering $923 on sippy cups and water bottles. I’ve almost resigned myself to the fact that finding a leak-proof, child-friendly option that doesn’t harbor mildew is a lost cause.
- Social Secretary. Growing up in the free-range era of the 70s and 80s, I didn’t realize my mother’s lack of knowledge about my friends until much later. In contrast, my children have a complex network of playdates and extracurricular activities that requires meticulous scheduling, resulting in a calendar that looks like a jigsaw puzzle.
- Hoarders’ Removal Specialist. This role complements that of Chief Archivist. Living in a modest apartment means I frequently have to declutter to make room for new items. I am quite ruthless, regularly sorting through toys and school projects to donate or discard.
- Valet. For those with well-organized wardrobes, seasonal clothing transitions are a breeze. However, with young children, each change of season becomes a labor-intensive task of sorting outgrown clothes, retrieving stored items, and purchasing new clothing as necessary.
I’ve come to view the term “mother” as an umbrella that encompasses all these diverse roles. Surprisingly, I’ve found enjoyment in most of these tasks, and I’ve become a more organized and capable individual since becoming a parent. Plus, my expertise in tackling protein stains has dramatically improved.
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In summary, motherhood encompasses a myriad of unexpected roles that extend far beyond traditional child-rearing duties. Embracing these responsibilities has not only made me a more competent parent but also enriched my life in numerous ways.