Welcoming a baby into your life is a transformative experience, one that brings immense joy but also significant challenges. No matter how prepared you think you are, the reality of parenthood will likely turn your world upside down. Once a competent adult capable of holding civilized conversations, you may now find yourself navigating a new reality where sleep deprivation and constant baby care dominate your days. It’s natural to have a myriad of thoughts—some rational, some a bit more paranoid, and others you might prefer to keep to yourself. Nevertheless, all of these thoughts are perfectly okay as long as you continue to nurture your little one. Here are 21 common thoughts many new parents experience:
- It’s perfectly fine to think your baby isn’t the most attractive.
- It’s acceptable to believe that nap time is truly the best part of your day.
- It’s understandable to feel that your need for a third glass of wine outweighs your baby’s need for non-alcoholic breast milk.
- You might find yourself thinking that you owe your mother a heartfelt apology for your past judgments.
- It’s reasonable to think that when you finally return to your pre-pregnancy weight, you deserve to wear a sash celebrating the achievement.
- In the baby aisle, with a crying newborn and no bottle, contemplating the merits of formula can be a rational thought.
- It’s okay to wish that every man had to experience simulated labor as part of their high school education.
- You might feel justified in complaining about how pregnancy altered your body; after all, you carried a watermelon for months.
- At times, you may think your baby is acting intentionally difficult, regardless of what the pediatrician suggests.
- It’s normal to wonder if you’re already instilling your biases in your newborn, but accept it knowing they will find their own way eventually.
- You might long for the day when your child is older and life feels “normal” again, only to panic upon realizing that the current situation is the new normal.
- Reflecting on how you previously judged parents of crying babies in public is a common realization.
- It’s natural to feel a sense of superiority over young adults with perfect figures, even if you’re secretly envious.
- You may think your infant will survive if they stay in that dirty diaper for a little while longer—maybe even three hours.
- It’s a bit odd to realize how often you touch another person’s private areas throughout the day.
- You might find yourself critiquing your friends’ parenting styles, as long as you keep those thoughts private.
- Strangers who give you disapproving looks during public meltdowns might just be people who don’t understand parenting.
- At times, you may think your partner is being foolish, too.
- It’s acceptable to acknowledge that maybe you were wrong and might be the one acting foolishly, but you won’t admit it out loud.
- It’s okay to realize you might have underestimated the challenges of parenthood.
- Your feelings about whether one child is enough or if you want a larger family can fluctuate from day to day.
The beauty of thoughts is that they don’t require action. Parenting comes with significant physical and emotional changes, and if you ever voice one of these thoughts aloud, you can always chalk it up to sleep deprivation. If you’re concerned about becoming overwhelmed or feeling heartless, remember: your mind is adjusting to a drastic lack of sleep. One day, you’ll find your way back to your former self—likely in about twenty years.
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Summary
Becoming a parent is a life-altering experience filled with a wide range of thoughts and feelings. From the amusing to the serious, it’s essential to recognize that these thoughts are normal and part of the journey. Embracing the changes and challenges can help you navigate this new chapter of life with confidence.