I was one of those women who thought I was pretty clued up before I had kids. I hadn’t ever really been around a lot of babies, but I was smart enough to work it out I thought. My kids for sure would be well behaved, polite, eat only organic food and be the coolest little accessory ever. They look so cute dressed up in those adorable little outfits! I’m not going to lie, I was slightly taken by surprise. Here are some of the things I’ve learned since I had children. Motherhood is hands-down the hardest job I’ve ever had.
- Kids come with their own minds, and they know how to exert their will from a very young age. It isn’t quite as simple as getting them to just do as they’re told. Yes lady staring at me on the train, I too would like them to be quiet.
- Kids create mess. The concept of sporadically cleaning up is lost on them. It requires a level of nagging.
- Sleep is a blessing beyond compare. There have been moments where I would do just about anything if you promised me sleep as a reward.
- Siblings are nature’s way of toughening you up for the real world. Enough said.
- It’s ok to sometimes break the rules just to maintain your sanity. Sanity is a complete valid goal. 20 mins on the iPad will not kill your kids, but it will buy you some quiet time (providing there is an iPad for each child…otherwise, you’re setting yourself up for a screaming match before 1 min is up).
- The supermarket would be better called the gauntlet. Trying to navigate that place with children is an episode in … there actually are no words.
- Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak. It actually means you’re still thinking straight.
- It’s not about wanting the toy, so much as not wanting anyone else to have it.
- Cuddles from little arms are quite possibly the best cuddles you’ll ever get.
- It is all absolutely worth it. The snot, the poop, the exhaustion, the fights, the mess, the crying … the monkey’s pretty much couldn’t do anything that would make it feel like it wasn’t worth it.
oh, and an extra special bonus #11. Bubbles really are cool!
Hi. I’m Kate Snowise, and Thrive.How is my business-baby. I’m a Life & Well-Being Coach who helps people who want the good stuff out of life, get it. I have an MSc in Psychology (the happy kind of psychology that concentrates on what is right with you). I offer individual coaching and to help people clarify their thinking, grow into their potential, reconnect with themselves and re-gain balance. Click here to learn more.
To download a copy of my free mini-guide – 8 Tips Towards Creating a Thriving Life – click here.