A recent video circulating on social media hilariously highlights the stark contrast between leaving your first child with grandparents and the experience of leaving your third. Prepare for a good laugh and a sense of familiarity as you watch!
The clever creator of the video, Sarah McKenzie, who runs the popular blog Honest Parenting, humorously portrays the differences in her own experiences. In the first half, she’s shown cradling her firstborn, listing an extensive array of guidelines for the grandparents, ranging from mildly anxious to downright ludicrous. Here are a few memorable moments:
- “No fruit juices or any fruits, please; they could be POISON!”
- “Screen time? Absolutely none! Not even a reflection from the windows!”
- “Here’s a burner phone for emergencies. It’s pre-programmed with all the important contacts—mine, the pediatrician, and the holistic healer. I’ll be FaceTiming every hour, and if I don’t hear back, I’ll come over!”
- “Car seat? What is that, from the Stone Age? I’m taking mine!”
Does that ring a bell? Now, fast forward to the scenario with her third child. The tone shifts dramatically. She’s sitting in her car, ready to hand over the little one to grandma with a rather relaxed demeanor.
“If you don’t mind, I’ll keep the engine running. I’ve got a date with a bottle of wine and some binge-watching,” she quips.
“Oh, by the way, he’s only had chocolate chips today, so feed him whatever you think is best. You know your way around a kitchen!”
As for screen time? “Just keep it under 18 hours a day, okay? We have standards to maintain.”
“And I did notice he’s got a bit of a cough—might be contagious, but I’m treating it with good vibes. If anything goes wrong, just call 911; my phone’s off anyway.”
For those with multiple children, you likely recognize that your standards have “relaxed” over time. The first baby’s outings feel akin to planning a space mission, complete with a mountain of supplies in the diaper bag and an obsessive worry about leaving them with anyone. But by the time the third child rolls around? Not so much.
There’s a noticeable shift in a parent’s mindset as they gain more experience. New parents can often be anxious, controlling, and convinced that no one else can care for their little angel quite like they can. Trust me, I get it—I was once that parent too.
I vividly recall preparing my eldest’s diaper bag for a simple grocery run as if we were embarking on a trek through uncharted territories. I remember our first night out post-baby, where I ended up in tears in a restaurant restroom, convinced that no one could care for her as I could. Any deviation from my carefully laid plans felt like a recipe for disaster.
Now? My children are six and eight, and they often stay overnight at their grandparents’ house. Honestly, I have no idea what they eat, what shows they watch, or if they go to bed at a reasonable hour. And you know what? I don’t care. I’ve learned that relaxing and allowing grandma to take the reins is liberating.
Parenting your first child is a rollercoaster of emotions, but as time goes on, letting grandma step in for a night becomes a welcomed relief—even if it means a diet of cartoons and sugar cubes.
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Summary:
This article humorously contrasts the experiences of leaving a first child with grandparents versus a third child, illustrating how parental anxiety diminishes with each subsequent child. The shift in parenting style reflects a more relaxed approach, allowing for valuable personal time without overwhelming worries about rigid rules.
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