7 Surprising Truths You Wish You Knew Before Becoming a Parent

Have you ever wondered what parenting is really like? We hear a lot of the happy, joyful, and fun moments being shared - but is it all sunshine and rainbows? It can be very taboo for parents to speak freely about parenting because of #momshamers (you know who you are). I’ve always been under the impression that parents are doing the best they can with the knowledge and resources they have.

So I polled my Instagram audience and asked them: What do you wish you would have UNDERSTOOD about parenting before becoming a parent?

Buckle up, because today we're diving headfirst into the uncharted territory of parenthood. 😄🎢 Get ready to laugh, cry, and nod your head in agreement as we explore the things we wish we knew before embarking on the wild journey of raising tiny humans, as told by real parents.

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If you’re more of the reading type, here the 7 most common things parents want you to know -

1. Healing Childhood Trauma:
   Who knew that becoming a parent would bring up memories and emotions from our own childhood? It's like a blast from the past, but with diaper changes, tantrums, and programming you never knew existed. 🚀 Take a deep breath, my friend. This is your chance to heal and break the cycle, one messy diaper at a time.
   
   

2. The Myth of "Me" Time:
   Remember those leisurely bubble baths and uninterrupted Netflix marathons? Yeah, say goodbye to those for a while. 😅 Parenting means prioritizing tiny humans over self-care, but fear not! We'll share some sneaky tips to squeeze in those precious moments of "me" time amidst the chaos on Instagram and TikTok.
   
   

3. It Takes a Village:
   We've all heard the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child," and boy, is it true! From grandparents to friends, finding your support system is key. They'll be there to lend a helping hand, offer sage advice, and occasionally babysit so you can enjoy a hot cup of coffee...while it's still hot! ☕🙌
   
   

4. The Primary Parent Phenomenon:
   Surprise, surprise! In every parenting duo, there's usually one parent who takes on the role of "primary parent." 🏆 They become experts in diaper changing, soothing techniques, and late-night cuddles. Embrace your unique partnership and remember, teamwork makes the dream work!
   
   

5. Postpartum:
   The Good, the Bad, and the Unfiltered: Let's get real about postpartum. It's not all rainbows and baby giggles. Hormones, sleep deprivation, and adjusting to your new role can be overwhelming. But hey, you're not alone! We're here to share stories, support, and remind you that you're doing an incredible job. 💪💕
   
   

6. Surviving the Symphony of Screaming and ADHD:
   If you're dealing with screaming fits and ADHD, take a deep breath. It may feel like a chaotic symphony, but remember that you're the conductor. Embrace the challenges, seek support, and discover strategies that work for your unique situation. You're stronger than you think!
   
   

7. Farewell, Personal Freedom:
   Bid adieu to spontaneous outings and last-minute plans. Your life is no longer your own, but don't worry, it's for a good cause. Embrace the beautiful chaos and find joy in the tiny moments that make parenting the wildest ride of all. 🎠🎉
   
   
   

So there you have it, dear parents-to-be and seasoned pros. Parenting is a wild adventure full of surprises, challenges, and immense love. Remember, no one has it all figured out, and that's perfectly okay. Together, we'll navigate this rollercoaster ride and create a lifetime of beautiful memories and shape the next generation of incredible humans. 🌈✨

Now, it's your turn! Share your own "wish-I-knew" moments in the comments below. Let's laugh, learn, and support each other on this unperfect but incredibly rewarding journey called parenthood. 🌟💖

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