Becoming a mom is exciting…and let’s face it….terrifying. These little humans do not come with a manual and we are just winging it, am I right? We are all going in blind, so to speak. I have come up with the top five things I wish I had known before becoming a mom.

5. Kids are gross.

Ok…maybe I mean, they can BE gross. Babies. Toddlers. Little kids. Teens….all gross. Their rooms are gross. They sometimes (oftentimes) smell gross. It’s either dirty diapers or leftover food found in your teen’s bedroom that’s been there long enough for things to start growing on it…but it’s all gross….and you wait patiently for the age where they don’t want to be gross anymore. Heads up…it doesn’t happen….unless it happens after they have moved out…which, then, it isn’t your problem anymore.

4. You don’t always LIKE your kids.

Now, you will always LOVE your kids. I would take a bullet for any one of my four darlings….but sometimes, I don’t like them very much. I’m almost positive the feeling is mutual…and that is perfectly ok with me.

3. Being a mom is the most selfless job you will ever have.

You do everything to make their lives wonderful…and most of the time, it goes unnoticed…and without thanks. But trust me…they learn to appreciate it…again… after they have moved out.

2. They ARE listening…and learning…from you.

It may not seem like it…especially when they are constantly rolling their eyes every time you speak, but trust me, they are hearing you. So keep telling them it is important to be kind…and let them SEE you being kind. I always say it doesn’t matter to me if my kid is the smartest or the best athlete, as long as they are kind human beings. BE the kind of person you hope your kid will emulate. 

1. Parenting is definitely NOT “one size fits all.”

Each child is different with their own personalities, qualities, and challenges….what works so well with one, may totally backfire on another. Be ready to make adjustments and don’t worry so much about being “fair.” Sometimes, the rules are different for each child….it’s just the way it is.

So, how about you?? What is something you wish you knew before becoming a parent? Pour yourself a glass (you have earned it) and tell me allll about it!

Cheers!