“It’s time!”
That phrase transformed my world entirely. Before that moment, my child was merely a concept—a fleeting thought or a blurry vision of the future. But everything shifted on March 10, 2016, when I received that call. Fast forward about 14 hours later, and we welcomed our little one, who arrived with a scrunched-up face and an attitude that would change our lives forever.
Five years have gone by in the blink of an eye. It’s hard to fathom that time has passed so quickly—1,825 days, more than 43,000 hours. So, how has my life altered? What insights have I gained over these 44,000 hours? While the list could be endless, here are five significant lessons.
Perfection is a Myth (Let’s Stop Pretending)
While this may sound like a catchy album title, it raises an important question for parents: Why do we hold ourselves to such impossible standards? Is the world going to collapse if my child skips their veggies? Or if they can’t perfectly articulate their order at the diner? Sure, there are moments when we must step up, but we also need to cut ourselves some slack. Sometimes, it’s perfectly okay to say, “Forget it.” Whether it’s toothpaste for dinner or wearing rain boots to bed, parents sometimes need to throw in the towel and enjoy the chaos.
Recognizing When You’re Stuck
Ever played Solitaire and hit a wall where the game says, “No useful moves detected”? That’s a better description of parenting than I could ever come up with. Some situations are just unavoidable. Meltdowns are like meteors; while you can predict some, others will hit you out of nowhere. The key is to accept that it’s okay to be okay. Feeling guilty after saying “forget it” only undermines the freedom we gain from it. You’re doing a great job; some days just don’t have a clear path forward.
The Joy of Mixed Emotions
Let’s introduce “NostalJoyMent”—a blend of accomplishment, joy, and nostalgia that’s unique to parenting. It’s that bittersweet feeling when your child conquers a fear. Like when you help them overcome their fear of monsters. You feel proud and happy, yet a twinge of sadness creeps in as you realize they’re growing up. This feeling comes in waves, from big milestones like riding a bike to small victories like pouring their own glass of water. You never really escape the emotional rollercoaster that comes with parenting.
The Days Feel Long, but the Years Fly By
This may be a cliché, but it rings true. One of the toughest moments is bedtime on Saturday night when you’re desperate for some adult time. Your child, sensing your exhaustion, cranks up their defiance. The worst, though? Sunday night, knowing the weekend is ending. Parenting is filled with these repetitive routines, but each day feels different because of the passage of time. Time can be a relentless beast, moving at its own pace while you’re just trying to keep up. One moment you’re changing diapers; the next, your child is five.
What Will You Leave Behind?
As I approach my 40th birthday, I find myself reflecting on mortality. Time is finite, and it begs the question: What legacy will we leave? In five years, I’ve realized that my purpose is to raise wonderful individuals who will, in turn, raise their own. It’s a cycle that connects us across generations. Think of life as a quilt; each square represents a life, and while your patch may fade, its purpose remains fulfilled.
Writing this reflection was a challenge because a lot of what I’ve learned defies words. But one thing is clear: parenting only grows bigger in every aspect—responsibility, love, and challenges. I’m astonished I’m still sharing these thoughts after five years, and each day offers new reasons to cherish my kids.
In those perfect parenting moments when everything aligns, you close the bedroom door and return to the adult world with a heart full of NostalJoyMent. And then you look forward to tomorrow, hoping for even better days ahead.