September 16, 2016
20 Ways Becoming A Parent Will Change Your Life (for the better)
There’s no doubt that parenting is insanely difficult, endlessly challenging, and sometimes so frustrating you don’t know where to turn. And it is so completely acceptable to have these feelings. On the hardest of days, we all need reminders about why in the world we ever thought parenting was a good idea. Here are 20 ways becoming a parent undoubtedly changes your life…for the better.
- There is no love like that of a parent. It is a soul-crushing, heart-wrenching, so-overwhelming-you-can’t-breathe kind of love. It expands your heart a millionfold, and there is nothing in the world like it.
- You will respect your family in ways you never did before, especially your parents. The best way to learn how to bow down to the people who’ve taken care of you your whole life? Become a parent yourself.
- Your concept of time changes. Life isn’t about you anymore. It’s about this burbling bundle of joy whose every whim controls each minute of your day. It’s a humble lesson that shows the world is far bigger than ourselves.
- Perspective shifts. There is nothing like seeing the world through the wondrous eyes of a child.
- You lead by example. Your life choices fundamentally have to be better, because your every move is being scoured by young, impressionable eyes, ready and willing to parrot everything you say and do. Kids make you want to be a better person. Kids make you HAVE to be a better person.
- Your relationship with your spouse reaches a whole new level, deepening your dependence and reliance on one another, and love.
- You have no choice but to learn how to embrace spontaneity.
- Baby giggles! Is there anything more wonderful in the world than a happy, smiling baby?
- Your priorities will change. Nothing puts things into perspective like becoming a parent. What used to be the biggest deal in the world is now hardly worth mentioning.
- See you later, bad habits. You may not give them all up, but you will think twice about some of them.
- Nothing in the world will melt your heart like cuddles from your kids. Oh my goodness.
- Mother’s Day and Father’s Day! These days are now all about YOU.
- Little things will make your day like nothing else ever has. A smile from your child? Their hand in yours? Pure joy.
- You will find personal strengths you never knew you had.
- You will learn to make sacrifices in a supreme way. This may frustrate you sometimes. It will also make you stronger.
- You will find new depths of compassion and understanding for yourself, those around you, and your children.
- You will never judge another parent again (or, you shouldn’t. Or okay, maybe you’ll just think twice.)
- You are in charge of shaping a young life and worldview. Growing a baby into a fully functioning person. The weight of that incredible responsibility will never be lost on you.
- Your children will bring out a fierceness, fear, and passion in you that you’ve never felt.
- You will never, as long as you live, get sick and tired of being called Mom and Dad.
