When my partner and I tied the knot, we quickly decided to stop using birth control and embrace whatever came next. At just 24 and 25, we felt ready for the adventure of parenthood. While I cherish my children and wouldn’t change that choice, I often find myself wishing I could give my younger self a few pointers. If I had the chance to revisit those years before kids, here are some things I would prioritize:
-
Tackle Student Debt
I graduated with a hefty student loan burden, and even after nearly two decades, I’m still making payments. Reflecting on it now, I wish we had postponed starting a family for a year or two, allowing me to use my salary to chip away at that debt while living off my partner’s income. -
Explore More
It may sound cliché, but traveling is something I truly wish I had done more of. Having spent some time in Japan post-college, I’m grateful for that experience. However, I would have loved to journey further, both solo and with my partner, before children came into the picture. -
Pursue Advanced Education
There have been countless moments where I’ve wondered if I should have pursued a Master’s or even a Ph.D. While some moms manage to juggle academia and parenting, I know I wouldn’t have had the energy or focus to do it when my kids were young. -
Delve into Museums
Visiting museums with kids is always an adventure, but I often find it feels rushed. I long for the days when I could stroll leisurely through exhibits, absorbing every detail without a little one tugging at my sleeve. -
Enjoy Live Entertainment
I never realized how much I took for granted the joy of attending live performances. Whether it was theater, concerts, or poetry readings, those experiences have become rare since becoming a parent. -
Savor Sleep
I doubt I need to elaborate on this one! Parenting changes your relationship with sleep forever. Even when I manage a full night now, it’s just not the same as those blissful pre-kid slumbers. -
Master Time Management
I didn’t grasp the significance of effective time management until life got hectic with a job, a partner, three kids, and various commitments. Ironically, now that I truly need those skills, I find it tough to find the time to learn them. -
Get Fit
I’ve always been on and off with my fitness routine. If I had known then what I know now, I would have taken advantage of my youth to get into amazing shape. Entering motherhood with that foundation would have been a blessing instead of trying to build that discipline now. -
Maintain a Journal
I started several journals over the years but never kept up with them. I wish I had documented my thoughts and experiences more consistently before having kids. It would be enlightening to reflect on how much I’ve grown and changed. -
Cherish Personal Time
Before becoming parents, my partner and I spent nearly all our time together. Since then, my alone time has been limited, and as an introvert, I miss those moments of solitude. If I had known how rare they would become, I would have truly cherished every second.
If I could turn back time, would I really change anything? Perhaps not. While hindsight is always clearer, I know we made choices based on our circumstances at the time. Instead of dwelling on the past, it’s essential to focus on the future as we consider what we’ll wish we had done while our kids were still at home.
For more insights on family planning and home insemination, check out this post on intracervical insemination. If you’re looking for reliable home insemination kits, Cryobaby is an excellent resource. For those seeking fertility assistance, the Johns Hopkins Fertility Center is a fantastic option.
Summary
Reflecting on the past reveals a list of experiences I wish I had before becoming a parent. From tackling student loans to traveling more, pursuing higher education, and savoring personal time, these moments could have shaped my journey differently. Yet, as I look forward, I must focus on making the most of the present and ensuring I don’t miss out on what truly matters while raising my children.