Motherhood has definitely changed me.
Before kids, I was pretty laid-back. I didn’t stress much, and I had faith that things would generally work out. My biggest dilemma back then was how to fill my Thursday nights post-Friends finale (seriously, those evenings have never been the same!). My partner and I enjoyed our freedom, and aside from the occasional financial hiccup or a rough morning after a night out, life was smooth sailing.
Then, I became a mom, and everything shifted—quickly.
After my daughter was born, I found myself crying during a documentary about lost children and obsessively checking that the doors were locked at night. Suddenly, my mind was filled with worries about germs on shopping carts, and I’d feel a surge of panic if a stranger smiled at my baby in the store, convinced they were plotting something sinister. Peanut butter became a threat (allergies!), and hearing about an abducted child on the news made me feel as if I needed to jump in and help.
Let me tell you, motherhood has made me a bit quirky. I’ve spoken to other moms, and they all have their own unique concerns since having kids. One friend even admitted she gets overly anxious at zoos, worrying about mothers being separated from their little ones. It’s a wild ride, but I’ve compiled a list of my own peculiarities since becoming a parent.
1. Baked Goods
Before motherhood, I was all about sampling baked treats—from bake sales to church goodies. Now, after witnessing how my kids “help” in the kitchen (think germy fingers in cake batter and sneezes near the dough), I can’t bring myself to eat anything made by other kids. I’ll contribute with a donation but skip the cookies!
2. Being Home Alone at Night
When my partner travels for work, I hardly sleep. Every little noise sends me into a panic. Just ask about the night I came home to find my front door wide open, with my partner miles away. I ended up with half the local police force at my house, wondering if I was losing it—and maybe I am, thanks to motherhood.
3. Flying
I used to love flying—who doesn’t enjoy a cocktail and a nap at 35,000 feet? Now, the thought of turbulence sends me into a tizzy, and I can’t stop counting exit rows while keeping an eye on fellow passengers. I miss those carefree flights.
4. Banks and Convenience Stores
Once, while depositing a check with my baby, I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if an armed robber came in—how would I keep my baby quiet? I swore I wouldn’t take my kids into banks or convenience stores anymore. Now, I stick to drive-thrus for my coffee fix, which makes me a bit hyper!
5. Waterskiing and Contact Sports
During a recent trip, I had the chance to learn waterskiing, but all I could think about was the potential for a traumatic injury and how my kids would cope without me. Now, I avoid any sport that could knock me out!
6. New Year’s Eve Outings
The excitement of going out for New Year’s has faded. I dread the thought of driving with my kids and envisioning a drunk driver crashing into us. I’d much rather ring in the New Year at home, safe and sound, while my kids sleep peacefully.
7. Subways and Elevators
Whenever I’m near a subway or elevator with my kids, I feel intense anxiety. I’m terrified that one of them will get on an elevator before me, and I’ll be left helpless. I can see myself still holding their hands tight, even when they’re grown up, yelling, “Stay close to Mommy!”
There you have it—just a peek into the neurotic thoughts that swirl around in my head since becoming a mom. I know I’m not alone; many of you can probably relate to this list of quirks. Whether it’s overthinking a trip to the zoo or imagining rescue missions on the subway, we can all agree that parenthood has its unique way of making us a little bonkers.
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Summary
Motherhood brings about a host of quirks and anxieties that many parents can relate to. From avoiding baked goods to dreading trips to the bank or flying, the journey of parenting alters our perspectives and amplifies our worries in unexpected ways.