As a parent, I have become quite structured in my approach, which may seem surprising considering my laid-back nature prior to having children. I used to be the kind of person who embraced spontaneity and could adapt to unexpected changes with ease. However, becoming a mother transformed my perspective entirely.
From the moment my first child was just two weeks old, we implemented a schedule based on a book recommended to us. In those overwhelming, sleep-deprived days, I was eager for any guidance that promised relief. I would have agreed to almost anything if it meant a chance for a good night’s sleep.
Admittedly, we couldn’t adhere strictly to the schedule. It was more of a guideline, and even minor deviations felt monumental. If my son woke up at 6:15 a.m. instead of 7 a.m., that shifted the entire day’s plan. We would try to adjust the morning nap, bedtime, and everything in between, all in an effort to stick to our routine. It was often a comical struggle, and while we attempted to maintain this framework, the reality was that children have their own rhythms and needs. My sister, a pediatrician, aptly noted that such schedules often serve more to occupy parents than to dictate a child’s natural development.
Fortunately, my son was a good sleeper from the start—partly due to our efforts, and partly because of his calm demeanor. This led us to attribute our success to the structured approach, which reinforced our commitment to strict nap times and bedtimes. I became resolute about maintaining this routine, avoiding any midday activities that could disrupt it.
Traveling with two young children poses its own challenges. Both kids have a tendency to get car sick, which means we must weigh the potential enjoyment of a trip against the inevitable cleanup and chaos. We often find ourselves declining invitations that conflict with our established dinner and bedtime routines. Even when we do travel, we prefer to stay in one place to maintain some semblance of our daily structure.
This strictness sometimes leaves me feeling a bit down. Reflecting on the past, I realize how adventurous I used to be—I would seize last-minute travel opportunities and embark on spontaneous road trips. Yet, the reality of parenthood compels me to prioritize well-rested children and a predictable schedule over adventurous outings. I hold onto the hope, as a friend with older children reassures me, that flexibility will return once my kids outgrow their current needs.
Traveling to a place like Paris with my children, if done with the right timing and preparation, could be feasible in the future. Until then, I choose to embrace the structure that comes with being a parent, understanding that it’s part of this unique journey.
For more insights into fertility and home insemination, consider visiting March of Dimes. If you’re looking for an authoritative source on at-home insemination, check out Make a Mom’s. Additionally, for guidelines on home insemination, you might find this link helpful.
In summary, while my parenting style may seem rigid, it is rooted in a desire for stability and well-being for my children. The structure I enforce is a conscious choice, one that prioritizes their needs in this formative stage of their lives.