As we approach the end of this year, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on our most engaging posts from 2015. Our mission with each article is to emphasize that parenting is not about achieving perfection, but rather embracing the reality of our experiences.
The standout pieces from this past year illustrate this perfectly—from questioning how the Duchess of Cambridge manages to look effortlessly glamorous just hours after childbirth, to revealing the true dynamics of marriage when the kids are away with Grandma (spoiler alert: it often involves Netflix, takeout, and a much-needed nap). We’ve also rallied against the chaos of overzealous marketing in parenting groups, while striving to avoid raising difficult children. So, take a dive into our top favorites, and we’ll catch you in the new year.
How Does She Look So Good?
While it’s clear that Kate Middleton is surrounded by a team of stylists and beauticians, it’s still a mystery how she looks so composed just hours after delivering a baby weighing eight pounds, three ounces. It really is remarkable how she appears as if she just enjoyed a day of pampering, with a newborn as an afterthought. Incredible.
10 Individuals Who May Annoy You After Childbirth
Do you recall those moments during your third trimester when loved ones promised to assist you post-baby? What they really meant was that they’d come over to coo at the baby while you tackled the chores they claimed they’d handle. Quite the helpful gesture, right?
The Reality of Marriage
Marriage is about enduring long documentaries on topics you couldn’t care less about without losing your cool. It’s someone nudging you to exercise, even when you feel a donut would do the trick. Sometimes, it includes a discreet middle finger when they aren’t looking.
10 Thoughts for My Gynecologist
What’s up with the lack of parting gifts after such an intimate appointment? A dentist visit earns us a new toothbrush, and the eye doctor often provides free samples. Can’t I get even a sticker or a discount for future visits?
Things I Assumed Were Due to Poor Parenting Before Having Kids
I’ve probably told my kids “I can’t hear you when you whine” more times than I can count. Kids whine not out of necessity, but because they enjoy the sound of their own voices. And, yes, we know who’s to blame.
10 Tips for Maintaining Sanity and Avoiding Asshole Kids
Now that I’m several years into parenting, I’ve gathered some essential tips. While there’s no guarantee of raising a perfect child, these strategies can significantly improve your chances of nurturing a decent human being while keeping your sanity intact.
A Note to My Kids About 50 Shades of Grey
I recently gave in to peer pressure and attended a screening of Fifty Shades of Grey. Ignoring my better judgment taught me a lesson I can now share with you.
What You Don’t See When Glancing at a Plus-Size Woman in a Bathing Suit
Can one accurately gauge a woman’s health by her size alone? It seems that many focus on superficial measurements, rather than understanding a person’s overall health and wellness.
The Chaos of Justice
Suddenly, even a trip to the American Girl store seems appealing. I’ve tried to steer my child towards more classic styles, but it appears that peer influence is strong. I never wanted her to dress like a character from a cartoon.
3-D Lashes, Jamberry, and Facebook Group Dilemmas
I can’t handle being added to one more Facebook group. It’s exhausting to feel torn between friendship and being a potential sales target. I’d rather shop from home, where pants are optional.
This article, originally published on December 22, 2015, serves as a reminder that navigating parenthood is a shared journey, filled with both humorous and challenging moments. For more insights, check out our post on home insemination kits and learn more about the process of conception at Make a Mom. For a deeper understanding of the intricacies of genetics and pregnancy, visit this resource.
In summary, our reflections on parenting in 2015 highlight the importance of embracing our imperfections and sharing in the collective experience. As we head into a new year, let’s continue to support one another in this unpredictable journey.