Motherhood has undeniably shifted my outlook on life. Before I became a parent, I was fairly laid-back, trusting that everything would work out in the end. My biggest dilemma was how to fill my Thursday nights after my favorite sitcom wrapped up (seriously, those evenings haven’t been the same since). My partner, Mark, and I relished our freedom, enjoying spontaneous adventures and only occasionally worrying about finances or enduring a rough Sunday morning after a night out.
However, once I welcomed my daughter, things took a strange turn. Episodes of Law & Order: SVU now left me in tears, and I found myself obsessively checking that the doors were locked at night. A simple smile from a stranger towards my baby in the supermarket sent my mind spiraling into thoughts of abduction. Peanut allergies became a full-blown fear, and hearing about a missing child on the news made me want to join the search party.
I realized I wasn’t alone in this transformation. When I discussed these bizarre shifts with my friends, they chimed in with their own quirks since becoming parents. For instance, my friend Lisa admitted she feels intense anger at the zoo when she sees mothers separated from their children. It seems that motherhood can really make us a little quirky. Here are some of the oddities I’ve experienced since becoming a mom:
-
Baked Goods
Before having my daughter, I savored every treat at bake sales and was a frequent visitor to church fundraisers. But after witnessing my daughter’s “help” in the kitchen—think germy fingers in the batter and sneezing near dough—my enthusiasm waned. I simply can’t bring myself to eat those baked goods anymore. Sorry, school bake sales, I’ll support you financially, but I’ll pass on the snacks. -
Home Alone at Night
When Mark is away for work, my anxiety spikes. Every little sound jolts me awake, and I feel like I’m on high alert. One night, I returned home to find my front door wide open, all while Mark was on a business trip hundreds of miles away. I ended up with half the police department at my doorstep because I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was losing my mind—thank you, motherhood. -
Flying
Traveling used to be a joy—cocktails and movies in the sky were the norm. Now, when I fly with my daughter, I find myself terrified at 35,000 feet. Turbulence makes me sweat, and I panic every time the pilot speaks, convinced he’ll announce a dire situation. While my daughter is entertained by her iPad, I’m busy counting exit rows and scanning fellow passengers for any suspicious behavior. -
Banks and Convenience Stores
One day, while at the bank with my infant, I had a panic attack at the thought of a robbery. How would I soothe my baby if things went south? I realized I left her pacifier in the car and imagined a terrifying scenario where I couldn’t calm her amid chaos. Since then, I’ve avoided taking her inside banks and convenience stores altogether, opting for drive-thrus instead. -
Waterskiing and Contact Sports
On a recent vacation, I was offered the chance to learn how to waterski. Instead of focusing on the fun, I was consumed by thoughts of how an injury could leave my daughter without a mother. Now, I steer clear of any activities that might involve serious injury. -
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
The excitement of going out on New Year’s Eve has faded since becoming a parent. I dread the thought of driving home with the risk of encountering a drunk driver. Instead, I prefer to ring in the New Year snuggled on my couch, knowing my little one is safe in bed. -
Subways and Elevators
Being around subways or elevators with my child fills me with dread. I constantly worry that she’ll slip away and the doors will close before I can reach her. I imagine her terrified expression as she gets whisked away. Honestly, I’ll probably still be holding her hand tightly even when she’s a teenager.
This glimpse into my anxiety-ridden thoughts since becoming a mother highlights how parenting can warp our perceptions. If you find yourself nodding along, you’re not alone. It seems that motherhood has a unique way of making us a bit bonkers.
For more insights into the journey of parenthood and related topics, check out our post on home insemination, a valuable resource as you navigate your own family-building journey. Also, consider visiting Make a Mom for expert guidance, and Mount Sinai for comprehensive infertility resources.
Summary
Motherhood often brings unexpected changes in perspective, leading to new anxieties and strange behaviors. From avoiding baked goods to feeling anxious about flying and navigating public spaces, many parents share these quirks. If you can relate to these experiences, know you’re not alone; parenting is a wild ride that can turn us all a little weird.