5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Mom

When I was younger, and I thought about becoming a mom, it seemed foreign to me. I thought that I would be a different type of mom than the one I turned out to be.

I thought I would be dressing fashionably with my hair and makeup done every day and that my child would sit in her highchair and eat her cheerios quietly and calmly. Far from it! My daughter is three years old, and it is still one of the most challenging things I have ever done to date.

Here are 5 things I wish I knew before becoming a mom: 

1. It’s hard.

Yes, people tell me all the time, “Parenting is hard, but it’s so rewarding.” While at times I may find this to be true, when my child is having a meltdown in Walmart because I won’t buy her another $15.99 LOL doll, it’s not so rewarding. Don’t get me wrong, I love my daughter more than anything, but she is difficult to deal with and demands so much of me. Some days, especially after a long day working my full-time job, coming home to my second full-time job as a mom is just plain hard. It’s draining and often goes unnoticed. We make so many sacrifices to keep our children safe, happy, and healthy, but yes, it is worth it. 

2. Your child determines your schedule.

I revolve my entire life around my daughter’s schedule. Everything from our daily activities to who’s babysitting is all determined by her. At three, she is not even aware of all the juggling around mommy has to do to keep up with her schedule. If she is sick or daycare calls me, I leave work and forgo my own extra-curricular activities to make sure she is taken care of. The biggest piece of advice – be flexible. Your child needs you, and they come first. 

3. Remember to breathe.

Some days I feel like I can’t do it. My daughter tries my patience, and I’m trying to balance everything in our household. Some days I have to walk away from her when I feel myself getting upset. I really try to make sure that I don’t take my frustration out by yelling at her and walking away when I need a minute by myself to be a better mom. Taking just a few minutes can really make a difference. 

4. Call your village.

They say it takes a village to raise a child, so call them. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If it weren’t for our families, daycare, and babysitters, we wouldn’t be able to survive. Sometimes, it’s just about venting to our mom friends who get it and understand exactly what we are going through. 

5. Love them unconditionally.

My daughter is a “threenager” and has an attitude like a true teenager, but I love her no matter what. When she tests my patience or feels like I have no more in me, I remember that I have this innocent young girl looking up to me to set an example for. I need to show her what a strong woman looks like and to be there for her. At the end of the day, I want my daughter to be proud of me. We need our children just as much as they need us. So even on the hardest, most difficult days, remember to hug and kiss them and tell them mommy loves them.