The Mother I Never Expected to Be

pregnant silhouette yin yangGet Pregnant Fast

I always envisioned myself as a mother; it seemed like a natural part of my life’s journey. I recall a conversation with a friend during my teenage years, where we shared our dreams for the future. I confidently declared that by 35, I would be married with children. My friend, however, adamantly stated she would never have kids because she feared she wouldn’t become the mother she aspired to be. Back then, her perspective felt odd to me. How could one predict their future? It’s your choices that shape your path. At 15, I clung to that belief like it was gospel.

Now, reflecting on that moment, I realize how insightful her words were, despite her youth. She was spot on. I am nothing like the mother I had imagined. That doesn’t mean I’m not a good mom—I certainly have my chaotic moments—but I’m just not “that mom.” The version of motherhood I once pictured is far from the reality of my day-to-day life.

The Mother I Thought I’d Be:

My kids will always feel comfortable talking to me about anything without fear of judgment.

The Mother I Am:

They talk to me about everything, and I find myself judging their choices mercilessly. I’m practically the Judge Judy of my household, and they’re not even teenagers yet!

The Mother I Thought I’d Be:

My children will decide the car’s radio station every time we drive.

The Mother I Am:

Absolutely not. After listening to the same pop anthem a million times, I claim the radio. “You can choose when you have your own car!” {Did I really just say that? My mom used to say that to me.}

The Mother I Thought I’d Be:

I’ll be fully engaged in playtime with my kids.

The Mother I Am:

I’m not sure why I thought this was realistic. I used to resent my own mother for not playing with me enough, and she was quite involved! Between chores, sibling duties, and driving them around, I’m lucky to finish a meal without interruption. Another round of Candy Land? Seriously—haven’t we done this five times already?

The Mother I Thought I’d Be:

We will travel the world together as a family.

The Mother I Am:

Travel is expensive, and taking little ones on trips is often a mind-numbing ordeal. Our last excursion was a mere two-hour drive to a soccer tournament, and I seriously considered using duct tape to keep the older kids quiet. World travel? Not happening right now.

The Mother I Thought I’d Be:

Each child will have their unique personality, and I won’t allow their behavior to define me as a parent.

The Mother I Am:

I was so wrong. When they shine, I bask in their glow; when they misbehave, I can’t help but see it as a reflection of my parenting flaws. I know it’s not rational, but that’s the truth of how I feel.

No, I’m not the mother I envisioned. I have dust bunnies in the corners, I’m not trendy, I embarrass my kids at times, and I don’t always play fair. But I’m here for them—24/7, no matter the chaos. And I’m working on finding the humor in it all.

If you’re curious about more parenting insights, check out this other post on our site here. If you’re looking for a reliable source for at-home insemination kits, consider visiting Make a Mom. Additionally, for comprehensive guidance on pregnancy week by week, the March of Dimes is an excellent resource.

In summary, motherhood is nothing like I expected, yet it’s filled with love, laughter, and the occasional insanity. Embracing the reality of being a mom, with all its imperfections, is a journey worth taking.


Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

intracervicalinsemination.org