When I was younger, my mom constantly warned me about swinging on the shower curtain rod. I thought it would be fun to balance on the tub’s edge, gripping the shiny bar and attempting to lift both feet off the ground. No matter how many times she told me that the rod wouldn’t hold me and I would face a nasty fall, I didn’t listen. Spoiler alert: it ended with me sprawled on the bathroom floor, a broken shower curtain rod, and a very exasperated mother. “I told you so,” she said. And she was right. Some lessons, it seems, can only be learned through experience.
The same goes for parenting. We often gather a wealth of knowledge from friends and family, sharing advice, tips, and stories from our own trials. Thankfully, this communal sharing makes the parenting journey a little easier. But there are some lessons we must learn the hard way. Sometimes, you only find out what works by discovering what doesn’t. Here are a few of those hard-earned lessons that you might also find yourself learning.
1. Opt for Bigger Diapers
After my daughter was born, a close friend revealed a vital parenting secret: if your baby is leaking through their diaper, it’s time to up the size, not down. Unfortunately, this is a lesson best learned after a few nighttime surprises.
2. Recognizing True Support
It took me years to understand what genuine support looks like. It’s not about unsolicited advice or those who only reach out when they need something; true friends uplift without judgment.
3. Too Much Comfort Food Exists
It’s hard to resist cookie dough, especially when it feels like a warm hug. But there’s a thin line between comfort and nausea, and I typically learn that line the hard way.
4. Finding Sleep Strategies
Whether you co-sleep, train your child to sleep, or try every method imaginable, sometimes all you can do is wait it out, invest in earplugs, and keep caffeinated while you share your sleepless nights with the world.
5. Spotting Real Friends
A true friend isn’t just someone who goes silent until they need help; they’re the ones who reply to your 2 a.m. cries for help with, “I’m lost too!”
6. Avoid Pre-Road Trip Corn
Trust me on this one—just don’t do it.
7. Always Carry a Tampon
That surprising early period will inevitably strike when you’re unprepared, and you’ll find yourself hoping for a friendly teenager at the front desk.
8. Don’t Rely on a Perm for a Makeover
I have the fourth-grade photos to validate this misstep.
9. Appreciate Your Body
Even if you often feel frustrated with your appearance, a bout of illness can remind you of your body’s incredible resilience and strength.
10. Guilt is a Crafty Companion
Parents often feel guilty about everything—from work-life balance to diet choices for their kids. Even if you think you’ve escaped guilt, it has a way of creeping back in.
11. Be Cautious with Advice
Not all advice is created equal. Some lessons need to be learned through experience rather than what someone else tells you.
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Summary
Parenting is a journey filled with lessons, some learned the hard way. From diaper sizes and true friendship to the sneaky nature of guilt, these experiences shape our understanding and approach to raising children. Remember, you’re not alone on this path; sharing knowledge and learning from each other makes the challenges lighter.