Parenting is an amazing thing. It can turn your life around in so many ways, and you get to discover new things–not just about your kids but about yourself as well. Here are 10 things you learn from being a parent:
1. Sleep is your best friend.
And you’ll never get enough of it. Working and stay-at-home moms are forever busy shifting roles in their daily lives so sleep has become the most gratifying reward after a long day. You also start becoming more aware of your body clock and keep your schedule more grounded to reality (Morning run at 5:00 a.m? Psssh. Right.).
2. You unlock the power of multitasking.
Cooking dinner while watching your toddler? Check. Catching up on your favorite telenovela (on mute) while putting your toddler to sleep? Check. You juggle activities and discover means to increase efficiency once you hit parenthood. You’ll also realize the beauty of dual-purpose furniture.
3. You learn to prioritize activities that maximize your energy levels.
With all the running around chasing tots and making deadlines, your energy becomes a precious thing, and you learn to allocate it properly. Long gone are those continuous late nights out and drinking sprees. Sure, you’ll have a night off once in a while but you know that you’ll be making up for it the next morning if you push your limits.
4. You don’t need too many material belongings.
Heading to the mall can be a daunting experience for parents with all the temptations for both you and your child. But at the end of the day, you can do without a lot of products we feel pressured to buy. Besides, memories are made when you and your tot experience things together, compared to just simply purchasing stuff.
5. You become crafty.
When your kid starts saying the big N-O, or worse, starts reasoning with you, you need to have an offensive strategy. Plus, you tend to understand your child more and gauge his or her personality.
6. You’ll really go through lengths just to make your child happy.
Becoming a parent changes your entire perception of shame. Horseback rides in the mall complete with actions and sounds? Yeah, why not. You get to hone your child’s imagination and bond at the same time, and what could be more important than that?
7. You unlock your inner child as well.
That chubby kid with the chocolate smeared face is back from the ’90s and ready to hang out with your own kids. You’ll need all the imagination you can harness to keep up with your tot. You’ll learn how to see the world more creatively for and with your child.
8. You start not taking yourself too seriously.
Kids are super fun to be with, but they could be really devious at the same time. It’s a 50-50 situation where you’ll either be angry or learn to shrug it off. You’ll be surprised that the things that used to bother you before are no longer major issues for you now. Also, not being so anal about your children’s actions lets you relax and rekindle your sense of humor. You’ll learn to laugh more and stress less about the little things. Because now, it’s your kids that matter.
9. You become a better person.
Having kids is like having a mini version of yourself by your side. Despite contrasting qualities, you’ll notice traits similar to yours, both positive and negative. You’ll be more conscious of your actions and discover ways on how to improve yourself through your child.
10. You learn that you’ll do anything for your child.
Whether it’s fighting an obnoxious kid at a Peppa Pig meet and greet, standing up to her teacher or saving up for her education, being a parent will make you prioritize your kid’s welfare before anyone else’s –even yours.
Although being a parent leaves you smarter and stronger, you can’t deny a heart full of love and adoration for your kid. And this pushes you to be a better person, someone for him or her to look up to. Being a parent changes everything. You will sacrifice a lot, mostly time for yourself, but what you gain in return can last decades of memories.
Featured Image from The Parent Trap courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures
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