Oct 3, 2024
Parenting is one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences of life, but there are some realities no one fully prepares you for. Beyond the advice and tips, there are aspects of parenthood that only become clear through lived experience. Here are 10 parenting truths nobody tells you:
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As much as you love your children, there will be moments when they frustrate, annoy, or anger you. It’s normal to feel like you don’t enjoy being around them sometimes. This doesn’t make you a bad parent, just a human one.
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The idea of the perfect parent is a myth. You will make mistakes, sometimes lose your temper, or feel like you’ve failed. But the truth is, good parenting isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present, learning from your mistakes, and doing your best.
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No amount of reading, planning, or advice can prepare you for the emotional rollercoaster that parenting brings. The joys, struggles, and surprises that come with raising a child are unique to every parent, and you learn how to handle them only through experience.
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No matter how much research you do or how prepared you think you are, parenting involves a lot of self-doubt. From deciding the right way to discipline to wondering if you’re spending enough time with your child, second-guessing yourself becomes part of the journey.
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You might be warned about sleepless nights with a newborn, but no one really tells you how long sleep deprivation lasts. Even as kids grow older, nighttime fears, sickness, or even your own parental anxiety can keep you awake far beyond the baby years.
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Becoming a parent changes who you are in ways you can’t predict. Your priorities shift, your free time diminishes, and sometimes, you might feel like you’ve lost parts of yourself. It’s important to acknowledge these changes and find time to reconnect with the person you were before becoming a parent.
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Parenting isn’t something you master—it’s something you learn as you go. Every child is different, and just when you think you’ve figured something out, new challenges arise. Embrace the fact that there’s no manual, and you’ll be learning and adapting constantly.
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No one tells you about the overwhelming sense of guilt that can accompany parenthood. Whether it’s working too much, not working enough, or worrying about the smallest things, the guilt can be pervasive. The key is learning to manage it and accepting that perfection isn’t possible.
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Parenthood can strain even the strongest relationships. Sleepless nights, divided responsibilities, and differing parenting styles can lead to conflicts. Keeping your relationship strong will require extra effort, communication, and patience.
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