Before becoming a mother, I was convinced I had it all figured out. I was that confident friend, sure that I knew the ins and outs of parenting. Spoiler alert: I was wrong. As I navigate through the unpredictable journey of motherhood, I’m continuously learning. Here are ten truths I’ve come to understand.
1. Fear Is a Constant Companion
My fears have multiplied since becoming a mom. It’s not just the fear of the world out there; it’s the worry of illnesses like RSV in a newborn, or the anxiety of a cut on my toddler’s head that just won’t stop bleeding. I constantly grapple with fears about my child with special needs fitting into school and the emotional turmoil of watching my kids navigate friendships. Parenting is a maze of challenges.
2. Self-Doubt Is Part of the Package
There are days when I feel like I’m crushing it as a mom—until doubt sneaks in. Am I being too strict? Am I spending enough quality time with them? Am I feeding them well? Every day is a new opportunity for self-reflection, and often, second-guessing.
3. Patience Surprises Me
I used to be someone who lost her cool over slow walkers and long lines. But now, I can answer an endless stream of questions about the latest cartoon characters. My patience has grown in ways I never thought possible.
4. Beauty Is in the Little Things
It may sound cliché, but motherhood has opened my eyes to the beauty around me. When I slow down to match my children’s pace, I notice the little wonders—a baby bird, vibrant flowers, or a clear blue sky. These moments are fleeting, yet they fill my heart with joy.
5. Love Knows No Bounds
Before my second child was born, I feared I wouldn’t be able to love him as much as my first. But I was wrong. And when the twins arrived, I worried I wouldn’t be able to share that love equally among them. Yet, my heart continues to expand beyond what I thought possible.
6. I Can Find Strength I Didn’t Know I Had
When my twins were born prematurely and spent two weeks in NICU, I had to dig deep. Balancing hospital visits with caring for my older children was exhausting, yet I persevered. Solo parenting when my husband is away is daunting, but somehow, we always make it through.
7. Children Are Full of Surprises
I expected my youngest to be jealous of his new siblings, but instead, he embraced his role as a big brother. Kids are full of delightful surprises, like how they can manage to sleep with a mountain of toys around them.
8. The Need for Connection
Motherhood is a strange balance of wanting solitude while craving companionship. With four children, I often feel overwhelmed and crave alone time. Yet, when I finally get it, I miss their presence and long for the warmth of little bodies around me.
9. Relationships Evolve
Becoming a parent has tested many of my relationships. Each child has brought new dynamics with my partner and family. Friendships have changed too—some have faded, while others have found new life through shared parenting experiences. It’s a natural evolution.
10. Time Is a Trickster
Time can feel like it’s flying and dragging all at once. I often find myself marveling at how quickly my oldest has grown while recalling the slow moments of my twins’ NICU days. We often hear that the years are short and the days are long; I say they’re both. We must cherish every single moment.
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In summary, motherhood is a beautifully chaotic journey filled with surprises and challenges. Each truth I’ve learned has shaped my experience, reminding me that while the road ahead may be uncertain, it is also incredibly rewarding.
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