Becoming a parent is one of the biggest life changes a person can go through. New parents spend months getting ready and looking forward to bringing their baby home. Even when you feel ready for a baby to come, no one can be prepared for all the changes that come along with becoming a new parent. The changes that new parents go through are so much more than taking on a few more responsibilities.
Children can completely change your outlook on life. Having a child is one of the greatest things that can happen to a person, and even the difficult adjustments are well worth it.
Newfound empathy
At some point, we’ve all seen a parent in a grocery store or a restaurant throwing a tantrum. As non-parents, we look at this scene and slightly judge, we either think the parent has poor parenting skills or the child is a little bratty. We don’t realize that even with the best parenting, this can happen anywhere with any child, and your kid doesn’t care if it’s embarrassing.
Many become kinder, in general, after becoming parents. After your a parent, you see everyone as someone’s child, and everyone a parent like you who’s concerned for them.
Shift in priorities
When you have a child, they become your first priority in life. This can become a challenge to squeeze in all the preexisting things in your life, like your social life and career. Even if you still have goals in other aspects of your life, your main ones will be towards your child. You used to look forward to going out over the weekend, but that quickly changes to going to bed early. Gone are the days when you could look into buying Las Vegas real estate for fun.
Less time for yourself
One thing that many people expect to happen when they have a baby is that once the baby is born, they won’t be getting a full night of sleep for years. This is true for most parents. You’ll have to sacrifice on other time that you would previously spend on your own. Things like going to the gym or getting coffee with friends won’t happen as much as it once did. Even simple things like getting ready in the morning will be harder when you have a baby in the house.
More respect for your own parents
When you have a child of your own, you’ll understand all that your parents did for you. Most of us realize as we get older that we argued over things with our parents that we shouldn’t have and gave them unnecessary stress. Our teenage years put our parents through a lot that we regret, but you never realize how much work you were yourself as a baby. We all know that our parents loved us and wanted what’s best for us. What we don’t know is the unique way a parent loves a child, until you have one of your own.
Yup, so true! I definitely had more empathy for my parents. I’ve told them, “I’m sorry” many times.
Right! Same with me.
This is all so true! I never imagined I would be the person I am today and I wouldn’t if I weren’t a parent.
Right! Isn’t it crazy?!
Becoming a parent sure is an eye-opener! I now see how I was with my parents through my own kids! You are so right about little to no time for yourself!
It sure is! Everything is so different, but in a good way.
I never knew just how much becoming a parent changes you. Sure, I was told a few things (thanks mom!); but, until the day comes when you’re officially a parent, then it begins to sink in!
I completely agree! You don’t really know til you have your first child.
I cannot begin to image the difference having a child in your life changes you! This is an insightful read for someone without kids.
It’s definitely life changing for sure.
Parenting has really changed my perspective. I greatly appreciate my parents and all they’ve done.
I completely agree. Many things have changed for me.
So very true! I know my whole life changed when I brought my baby boy home from the hospital. It was nothing I expected it to be and yet everything I expected it to be at the same time. There was so much I just didn’t know. But now I feel like I’m a better person for it. Its taught me a lot.
I completely agree with you! My first born didn’t get to come home with me til she was about ten days old. It was definitely life changing.
There were things my parents did that I never understood until I became a parent myself. I think this is the toughest job ever but the rewards are priceless.
I completely agree. I thank my parents always too. I never knew how truly hard and rewarding it was til I had kids myself.
Having a child really does change every part of your life. It shifts priorities into a whole new light
It sure does!
I was able to finally view my parents as real people after I had my kids. It was a weird realization.
Right! I completely understand that too.
This is all so true. My children’s needs always came before my own.
Yep! They always do.
Being a parent changes you a lot! It’s the most beautiful experience in my life!
Yes, it really does.
I totally agree with all these! Being a parent turns your world upside down!
It definitely does!
It’s amazing how much we change when we have children. My world has changed so much I rarely have time to myself. Not long until all 3 are at school though which will help.
It really does change a lot.
Oh yes! I am 100% agree on this! Being a parent is the best part that God can give to us. Wonderful post!
It sure is the best!
I’ve seen my sisters changed in good ways after they had their child. They are kinder and appreciative now.
That’s great! I love when kids can change you for the better.
Oh you’re cute you’re so beautiful, my mom always tells me about when you have a child your priorities change.
Yes, they sure do.
You really hit it on the head. Being a parent changes you in many ways and often, it’s for the better and I think that’s the best part of being a parent.
It’s all for the best! I love being a parent.
So, so true. Being a parent really taught me how to be patient!!
Yes, I completely agree with that!
Raising children is such a magical experience! We realize that we have these wonderful little beings to love, nurture, and help grow. Parenting changes you in many ways, some are completely unanticipated!
Yes, I completely agree with that.
A beautiful reminder to all of us who have raised kids that it is a huge responsibility and joy. Thank you.
Yes, agreed!
I can SO relate to this! I think everyday how much my children have changed my life.
Right!