10 Things That Have Surprised Me About Parenthood

The anticipation leading up to parenthood is filled with excitement, but it is also a little terrifying. It is this big unknown, and there is really no way of knowing what to expect. There is no amount of podcast episodes, books, advice from friends, or babysitting adventures that can prepare you for all of the little things along the way.

It’s an amazing, exhausting, exciting, chaotic and beautiful journey.

There were a lot of things that I was expecting, but there are also a lot of things that have surprised me in my four short years of parenting so far. Here are 10 things that have surprised me about parenthood.

1. How quickly you get used to gross things

I won’t go into detail, but there are a lot of things that grossed me out before becoming a mom. Now, there is not much that rocks me. First of all, sometimes there is no other option than to just deal with it. Second, things are less gross when it comes to your own baby/child.

2. How much time it takes to leave the house

I used to think that you just grab a bag and pop everybody in the car. I was not prepared for the two hour ordeal that involves somebody needing to eat or poop, an outfit change (or two), and all of the things you forget, one by one, inside the house.

3. How different my own kids would be from each other

I knew I would have to learn a lot about parenting, but I did not realize that I would also have to learn everything again, in a new way, the second time around.

4. How many viruses exist in this world

I thought that November through February was “sick season” and was surprised to learn that this is a year round thing. Just when you think there is nothing else to catch, there is.

5. How many snacks could fit in such a small stomach

I was surprised by how many snacks my toddler would ask for and also how many they could actually consume. If you think you need a bag of snacks for an outing, you need more.

6. Hypochondria skyrockets

Any time the girls sneeze or “feel hot” it’s like a downward spiral. This might have something to do with number 4 on this list.

7. How quick people are to judge

I was shocked by how much time and energy people spend on telling you why something you are doing is probably “not the best idea.”

8. How important it is to have mom friends

It is essential to have a few close friends, in the same stage of life, going through the same things as you, that just get it.

9. How many walks I would take

I have never achieved this many steps in my life. Walks are not only a good occupier of time, but they give you a minute to breathe and reset the day sometimes.

10. How much I enjoy the mundane days

My entire life, I have never been able to sit still. Ever. So it came as a shock to me when I loved nothing more than to have a slow day at home with my daughters, doing the simplest of things.

10 Things That Have Surprised Me About Parenthood