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When it comes to parenting, there is no rule book. It doesn’t come with guidelines set in stone, and the only way to master parenting is by trial and error. Since every kid is different, what works for one kid, might not work for the other. So, whatever you do as a parent, you might make a few mistakes no matter how hard you try to do your best. When you start your parenting journey, you might read every book there is, talk to several parents and note down tips and tricks to deal with children. You might even take up parenting classes. While these things may give you a slight advantage, the things you learn are not set in stone. Your experiences with your kids are bound to be different, and so is the reality of parenting. Here are nine parenting realities that no one talks about but are absolutely relatable. Grab some popcorn, sit down with your partner and start scrolling:
1. It Is Harder Than You Thought
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If you have thought to yourself that parenting is way harder than you expected, you are probably not the only one. No matter how much you prepare yourself for being a parent, you are bound to be bombarded with surprises when the time comes. But don’t worry; with time and experience, it gets slightly easier, and you’ll learn to tackle it better.
2. You Will Question Your Parenting Ability
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There might be days when you feel like parenthood was a mistake. No, it doesn’t make you a bad parent, it just makes you human. Unlike what they show in some movies, parenting is not all rainbows and sunshine. There will be days when you question your decision to be a parent, but it’s completely normal.
3. Guilt Takes Over, More Than Once
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As a parent, you only want what’s best for your child. That’s the case with every parent. However, it’s not easy to do right by your child all the time. You may end up making some mistakes along the way and only realize it after it’s done. Fret not; it’s every parent’s tale. When this happens, you’ll probably be overwhelmed with guilt. It will make you feel like a terrible parent but remember that you are learning too. The best thing to do is to move on from your mistake and try to do your best the next time. Pro tip: Don’t let guilt get the best of you.
4. Your Kids Will Learn By Watching You
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As much as you want your kids to imbibe the best qualities and values you instill in them, they will learn more from watching you rather than listening to you. Therefore, practice what you preach. Be an example to your kids and watch them emulate you. If your child sees you losing patience often, that’s what they learn too. If you keep your surroundings clean and tidy, they will most likely develop that habit as well.
5. You Will Hurt Your Child (Accidently)
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If any parent tells you that they’ve never hurt their child, especially as a baby, they are mostly lying. Babies are experimental and curious. They tend to get into trouble unless you watch them like a hawk 24×7 (which is not always possible). Therefore, it’s natural that you probably hurt your child accidentally and spend days beating yourself up about it.
6. You Become Your Parents
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Yes, it’s true. As much as you told yourself and your parents that you would do things differently when it comes to your children, you will most probably mirror your parents when the time comes. You channel their parenting style and adapt their techniques. Sure, there will be a few differences, but mostly, you become your parents when you become parents.
7. You Understand Baby Language
Image: iStockNo, you don’t have to take special classes to understand your little one. You become a baby interpreter and start to speak for them until they can speak using words. You will be able to comprehend and interpret every cry, stare, laugh, smile, and coo-caa sounds that your baby makes.
8. Your Priorities Change
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You might have decided to ensure you’ll set aside some quality me-time even after your baby arrives. But you throw that decision right out the window. Your baby becomes your number one priority, and everything else (like your career, marriage, health) takes a backseat.
9. You Are No Longer Easily Embarrassed
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After dealing with a crying child in a six-hour flight who throws up and poops all over you, could anything else embarrass you? When you become a parent, your threshold of feeling embarrassed automatically increases. Relatable?
Parenting is a full-time job that you cannot thoroughly prepare yourself for. But with time, patience, and several mistakes (big and small), you learn to navigate through the expectations of parenting while embracing its realities. Did you find this article relatable? Comment below and let us know your experiences with parenting!
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