Before I became a mom, there were several things I said I’d never do as a mother. Five years into motherhood and I can tell you: I was a better mom before I had kids. 😉
Do you remember all those times you we’re out and about, childless and naive? When you’d see parents doing something and think to yourself “I would NEVER do that!” Oh…the glory days.
Here’s my list, but I can’t WAIT to hear yours, so be sure to leave a comment here, on Facebook or on Insta, because I’m sure we were all very amazing moms before we had children.
1.I’ll never let my kids have pacifiers.
HAHAHAHAHA. I was so offended by pacifiers pre-kids. I just didn’t get why you’d need to have your kid so dependent on the thing. And then Harlyn ended up in the NICU at one day old. She had her pacifier for the next THREE years. Not only did I end up letting my kids have pacifiers, I also let them have them WELL beyond whatever limit is recommended. Is it like a year? I’m not sure, but even Mav had his til his second birthday. Pre-kid Meg can shut up about pacifiers.
2. I’ll never make separate dinners.
Well, past the baby food days. I tried on this one, guys. I really did. But it became so stressful to fight about dinner, beg for just three bites, and hear about hunger all night. Mama doesn’t have time for that. So yeah, judge me if you want, but our kids only eat the same thing we’re eating if they actually like it.
3. I’ll never drive a mini van.
Oh, we fought the good fight. We bought a Kia Sorento before we had Harlyn. And I believe we rocked it til I got pregnant with Mav. But here’s the thing. #slidingdoors . You cannot beat sliding, automatic doors when you have kids. Now that we have our Chrysler Pacifica, I’m not sure I’ll ever go back to a non-mini van. Mini vans for LIFE.
4. I’ll never let the kids use devices at dinner.
Oh my gosh. I used to see families out at dinner and wonder why little kids would be on devices. Well, now I know. If Mom and Dad want to talk for 2 seconds and actually enjoy one bite of food…devices may be the answer. Now, in full disclosure, it’s still not my favorite, and we do try to take other things or have the kids color. But I am certainly NOT above throwing my kids a phone or the Kindle Fire Kids edition when needed. I deserve a meal too, don’t I?!?!
5. I’ll never bribe my kids.
I do. I bribe them.
6. I’ll never let my kids have tantrums in public.
I love that the wise, childless version of me actually thought this was, like, an option. Like…you can just CHOOSE to not have your kids fling themselves on the Target floor, acting like you just beat them when really all you did was say it was time to head to the next aisle. I mean, now when I see a mom going through all this mess, I just give a smile and think “thank GOODNESS it’s not my kid this time.”
Okay, those are my 6! Now that I’m deep in the throes of motherhood, I can look at these ridiculous “I’ll Nevers” and see what a complete and utter moron I was. Now, I know there are parents who actually never did any of these things, and more power to them. But that’s just not me.
What’s something you said you’d never do that you totally do now??
