By Kathryn Peck
We all have preconceived notions about parenthood before we actually become parents ourselves. Even in childbirth, many of us come up with birth plans that details how the big day is going to play out; and rarely does it go according to plan. Such is parenthood: rarely does it go according to plan. I speak from experience. As a mom of four, it’s quite funny to look back at the things I swore I’d do or never do as a parent, before I actually became a parent.
Before: I won’t give my kids junk food.
After: Yes, you can have another piece of Valentine’s Day candy before breakfast.
Before: My children will eat whatever gets served for dinner.
After: One child likes pepperoni pizza, another plain, and another only eats pizza when cut into quarter-sized triangle pieces. Grapes can be cut, but they can’t be served wet. The youngest only eats dinner with his “dinner fork,” and my daughter won’t eat apples slices if they are too warm, too soft, or have any skin on them.
Before: I’m going to clearly explain my reasons with my children.
After: Just do what I ask.
Before: I won’t have toys all over the house; that’s what the children’s rooms are for.
After: Is there any room that doesn’t have toys scattered about?
Before: No screens until age 5.
After: Yes, it’s movie night!
Before: I will never change my child in a public place.
After: I think it was on Main Street in Hingham, Mass., when I just used our open trunk as a changing table for the world to see.
Before: I will not allow my children to have toys that make noise or require batteries.
After: I keep a fully-stocked container of batteries of every kind.
Before: I won’t cut the crust off of sandwiches, my children won’t know any different.
After: I eat the crusts of their sandwiches for lunch now.
Before: We’ll still go out with friends all the time; we’ll just get a babysitter.
After: Wait, do we still have any friends?
Before: I will not let my life revolve around naptimes.
After: Everything revolves around naptime.
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About the author: Kathryn is the owner of Bicycle Pie and mom of 4 little ones. Also a writer, editor, and former owner of one of Boston's premiere baby boutiques, she continues to write about motherhood, children's products, family life, and all other things that test our skills and patience as parents.
Photo by Charlie Little Photography
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