When it comes to parenting, many of us consider ourselves experts—until we actually have children. I entered this journey with a clear vision of the practices I would avoid. While I’ve successfully stuck to some principles like limiting screen time, avoiding physical punishment, and using positive reinforcement, I’ve also discovered that many of my pre-parenting convictions have gone out the window. Here are ten habits I swore I would never adopt:
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Co-sleeping
Initially, I was proud that my children slept soundly in their cribs. But when they turned two, they suddenly decided our bed was the place to be at 3 a.m. And what do you do at that ungodly hour? You squeeze them in between you and hope for sleep, because making the trek back upstairs feels like a marathon.
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Cooking Separate Meals
I try to prepare dishes that everyone can enjoy, but some evenings, I find myself making a second meal after my kids protest like activists at a rally. I admire parents who assert, “My kids eat what I serve, or they go hungry,” but I’m not willing to endure the evening drama of hungry complaints.
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Allowing Screen Time
I once vowed my children would never watch television. However, during my second pregnancy, I found myself grateful for that flat screen, which became a lifesaver when I needed a break.
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Bending on Negotiations
In my childhood, parental authority was absolute. Unfortunately, I’ve learned that some days, I’m just too exhausted to enforce the rules—especially when it comes to one more episode of their favorite show or an extra spoonful of peas.
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Keeping Up with Life as Usual
I recall saying I’d take my baby along on every adventure. But the reality of traveling with an infant—complete with jet lag and sleepless nights—hit hard. The dream of a relaxing getaway quickly turned into chaos.
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Being Flexible with Bedtimes
Sometimes, laziness takes over, leading to extended bedtime rituals. Those “just five more minutes” can stretch into an hour, making late-night TV watching feel more appealing than enforcing sleep.
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Letting Them Eat Sugary Breakfasts
While I aim for healthy breakfasts, the allure of Pop Tarts is often too strong to resist. It’s hard to resist when you’re faced with sleepy kids who would rather have sugary cereal than the well-balanced meal you carefully prepared.
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Attempting to Control Everything
Before becoming a parent, I read countless books on child-rearing, promising to nurture my children’s independence. However, reality struck when my child’s idea of “flourishing” involved biting the family cat.
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Allowing Rule-Breaking Fun
Jumping on the bed might be a breach of rules, but I know that childhood is fleeting. I let them enjoy these moments, even if it comes with the occasional bump and bruise.
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Accepting a Messy Home
I never imagined I would live in a home that resembled a disaster zone. Initially, I fought to maintain order, but I have come to accept that a lived-in space is part of family life. As long as the toilets are clean—thanks to my curious kids—I can overlook the chaos.
At the end of the day, nothing in parenting is permanent. You may find yourself chuckling at the blue crayon marks on your couch, knowing these quirks will fade. The important thing is to cherish these fleeting moments while you can.
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Summary: Parenting habits often shift over time, and what you once vowed to avoid can become part of your daily routine. From co-sleeping to flexible meal planning, embracing the chaos can lead to unexpected joys in family life.