Before I had kids, I thought I was prepared. I read the books, listened to advice, and thought I had a good idea of what parenting would look like. What I didn’t realize was how many things you only learn once you’re in it. These are some important lessons I wish someone had shared with me sooner. Now that I’m almost 5 kids in, here’s what I hope helps you in your parenting journey.
Related: How To Make Nursing Easier
Breastfeeding is really really hard.
There’s a huge learning curve to breastfeeding. It’s so hard. But it does get easier. I’d say around two or three months it gets much easier as your milk regulates, baby sleeps longer, your baby’s neck strengthens, and you grow more confident. It’s not as intuitive as you think it should be and every baby’s nursing journey is going to be different for you.
You’re not a bad parent if you don’t always want to be with your kids
Some days you might even want to leave. But it’s okay as long as you love your children and do your best. That’s all they can ask of you and all you can ask of them.
Co-sleeping is okay
For centuries people have been co-sleeping with their offspring. Make sure pillows are away from them and no loose blankets cover them up.
You won’t be the perfect parent
There is no perfect parent. Sometimes you’ll yell, sometimes you’ll be grouchy. Sometimes you won’t know how to handle your kids. It will be okay.
You don’t need every toy or parent product out there
There is no perfect product that will solve all your problems. Don’t spend hours in the middle of the night searching Amazon for the perfect sleep aid to get your infant to sleep 12 hours straight. Don’t go into debt to get the latest and greatest toys for your kids.
Only get zippered onesies
For any clothing under 9 months (unless your child is extra tiny) don’t mess with buttons, get zippered onesies that zip from the top to bottom. Two way zippers are even better.
Babies are always teething
Maybe not always, but it sure feels like it for the first 18 months. Teething can mean lots of biting, even while nursing, as well as lots of fussing and drooling.
Self care is important too
Make sure you find a way to take a shower, eat food, and get enough sleep to get by. Ask others to hold your baby so you can sleep if you need to. People usually love holding babies. Don’t worry.
Every kid is different
Don’t try to compare milestones or development to other peoples kids, or even your other children. This kid is completely different from any other kid around, eventually you’ll figure them out.
Potty training is really really hard
Potty training has been the hardest parenting thing for me with my first two especially. Don’t believe the 1, 2, or 3 day potty training will work for all kids.
Do what works for you
There is no right way to parent. Whatever you decide as a parent, in the end the best way to parent your child is to parent them with love in a way that works for you.
Sweet moments may not happen all the time-but when they do your heart will melt. As my husband often tells people, “kids are great, have as many as you can.”
