The journey from womanhood to motherhood changes you. Some of the changes are sudden and some happen so gradually that you barely recognize them. I love my parental role, but motherhood is one of the hardest jobs I have experienced. These are 10 things that motherhood has taught me.

10 things that motherhood has taught me

1) There is no such thing as the perfect parent.

I read all the books and wanted a ‘right’ answer for everything, but there isn’t. Every parent and child is different, different things work for different people. I try my best every day, and that’s all I can do, some days I get it right, and other days I get it wrong. As long as we learn from our mistakes, thats all that matters.

2) Comparison is the thief of joy.

We are in the age of social media, and its easier than ever to share information our day. When I gave birth to James social media was just emerging, and I didnt know anyone else with young children. I had nothing to compare James childhood against. The result? I celebrated all his milestones without one thought about what other children were doing.

Now social media is everywhere, and its hard not to compare. I try to keep in mind that these snippets we read are just ‘highlights’, and they cant tell the full story.

3) The best things in life are free (or almost free)

A cuddle, a kiss or the sound of real unstoppable laughter. That smile that spreads from ear to ear. An hot coffee enjoyed at the perfect temperature or an unbroken nights sleep. It really is the simple things in life that bring the most joy.

4) Not to judge others.

Parenting is one of the hardest jobs in the world, it’s as relentless as it is rewarding. Every parent approaches things differently. Being a parent taught me not to judge others so easily, all parents are trying to do the best for our children.

5) The days are long, but the years are short.

Its cliché but true. The childhood phases and sleepless nights feel like they last forever at the time. At the same time I look at my 6-year-old and I still can’t quite believe that I made him. The last six years have flown past in the blink of an eye.

6) To be flexible and patient.

As a parent I am always having to re-plan and adjust our priorities. A typical day consists of a million toilet visits & clothes changes mixed in with laughter and tears. Not to mention illness, accidents, tantrums and hours spent hunting for lost items.

7) Busy has a whole new meaning.

Pre motherhood, I thought I was busy, now I know I am busy! Getting a quick shower while my baby plays in her room, or going to the supermarket alone now class as ‘me time’.

8) A mothers love is unique and it can multiply.

A mothers love is unlike any feeling I have ever felt before. When I was  pregnant with Lily, I remember worrying that I wouldn’t be able to love another child as much as I loved James. I did though, and I love all my children fiercly. My heart grew a little bit with the birth of each child to encompass that love.

9) To have more respect for your parents.

(In my case my grandmother, who raised me as her own)

As a parent, I can appreciate what my Grandma sacrificed to bring me up. My Grandma was already in her late 40s when I was born and she agreed to raise me. I think it brought a whole new level of understanding and love for her.

10) It’s completely worth it.

The sleepless nights, all the mess, the constant worry, the tantrums and the tears (theirs and ours). When a tiny pair of arms wrap themselves around your shoulders, or a little voice whispers I love you, thats what makes it worth it.

 

 

Aimee from Mum Amie nominated me to record ’10 things that motherhood taught me’

This is Aimee’s post: ’10 things that motherhood taught me’ and links to the other blogs participating.

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