50 Parenting Insights from a Mom of Four

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Parenting is an ever-evolving journey filled with moments of confusion and clarity. After raising four children over the last decade, I’ve learned a thing or two—most of which involve navigating the chaos while trying to maintain my sanity. Here are some hard-won parenting tips and observations that might resonate with you:

1. Baby wipes are essential, even when your little ones outgrow diapers. Keep a stash in the closet, your bag, and the car—plus an extra pack for emergencies.
2. If you’re running late, expect a poop emergency. It’s a universal truth.
3. Occasionally, you’ll need to swallow your pride and admit you were wrong to your child—and it’s never fun.
4. The books you can’t stand? Those will be the favorites your kids want to revisit endlessly.
5. A toddler without a nap can unleash chaos like nothing else. My kids clearly missed the memo on this.
6. You’ll find yourself envious of your child-free friends—sometimes, bitterly so.
7. Potty training is a walk in the park compared to mastering the art of clean butt-wiping.
8. Every sad news story about children will hit you hard—it’s an emotional experience that changes you.
9. Expect your nice things to remain nice for approximately five minutes.
10. You’ll need to remind your kids to say “please” and “thank you” constantly, yet they’ll repeat “crap” after hearing it only once.
11. You’ll find yourself eating leftovers that look less than appetizing—think cold chicken nuggets.
12. You’ll start to sound like your mom more often than you’d like to admit.
13. If you’re on a call, expect the kids to make the loudest noise possible—it’s their special talent.
14. You are not alone in your struggles. Check out the Scary Mommy Confessional for solidarity.
15. Your kids will love a food until you buy it in bulk, and then it’s suddenly off the menu.
16. Saying “mm-hmm” while zoning out is a recipe for trouble.
17. You never thought you’d be so invested in someone else’s bathroom habits, but here we are.
18. Kids are inherently gross, and you’ll come to terms with that fact.
19. The fury you’ll feel when your child is bullied is unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
20. Just because they can bathe themselves doesn’t mean they will do it thoroughly.
21. Watching them grow independent can be both rewarding and agonizing.
22. Your neat-freak tendencies will clash with their natural chaos.
23. Kids have a talent for announcing private matters at the loudest possible volume.
24. Car seats are a pain to clean—just accept it.
25. You’ll be amazed at how they can complicate your life and yet fill it with love.
26. When your child is ill, turn to your pediatrician instead of Dr. Google.
27. The more effort you put into dinner, the less likely they are to eat it.
28. Forget all the things you swore you’d never let your child do; you’ll let them do at least 75% of them.
29. Babies are expensive, but kids with their demands will really test your wallet.
30. Keep a plunger and a plumber’s number handy—trust me.
31. You’ll still be caught off guard by questions about sex and hygiene products, no matter how prepared you think you are.
32. Monitoring your child’s online activity is a necessary responsibility.
33. “What did you do at school today?” will often get you a “nothing” in response. Be prepared to probe.
34. If you want your kids to open up, try reading a book or locking yourself in the bathroom.
35. Mom guilt is real and can sneak up on you at any moment.
36. You know you should cherish every moment with your little ones, even if it feels impossible at times.
37. Time flies, even if some days feel like they drag on forever.
38. Silence is suspicious, especially during those tricky toddler years.
39. Parenting is tough, and mistakes happen. Learn from them and move on.
40. Sometimes, the Tooth Fairy needs a reminder in her phone.
41. Kids hide things everywhere, so search pockets, drawers, and the couch cushions regularly.
42. Most baby gear is just clutter, but vibrating bouncy seats are truly lifesavers.
43. Sometimes you must say no, even when it’s hard.
44. Trust your parental instincts—they’re often spot on.
45. You won’t believe the volume of laundry you’ll face, considering kids love to run around naked.
46. Keep those old towels; they’re lifesavers during stomach bugs.
47. The one time you leave the house without a clean diaper is when it will be needed most.
48. Always have snacks on hand; they can save the day.
49. Don’t hesitate to hand over your phone for a few moments of peace—download educational apps if that makes you feel better.
50. Everyone will have an opinion about your parenting, but remember they don’t know your kids like you do. As long as they’re happy and safe, you’re doing great.

Parenting may be one of the most rewarding experiences, but it certainly comes with its challenges. Mistakes will be made, and awkward situations will arise, but each moment is a chance to learn and grow. And who knows? You might just end up with some great stories for your kids’ future partners.

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