Parenthood. Nobody said it was easy, but everyone says it’s worth it. How many times do you hear these words? Whether you are expecting, or in the midst of new parenthood, at some point we all hear that phrase. Yes, we all know it won’t be easy; I mean afterall you are creating and raising another human who will rely on you for the rest of their life. But the one thing nobody cares to elaborate on is how hard it truly is.
A few weeks after giving birth to my daughter, I remember laying in bed with my husband reflecting on our evening. It was a long day for both of us and we were drained- mentally, physically and emotionally.I remember looking over at him and saying, “I think we knew it would be hard, but not THIS hard.” I had spent most of the day crying on and off wondering how I was going to do this. My husband had been back at work for two weeks now and I was still trying to navigate postpartum hormones, being a temporary stay-at-home mom and adapting to motherhood. Why is it that nobody talks about the challenges of parenthood? Is it because they are afraid that it will scare couples from having kids? Or simply because nobody wants to admit that something so wonderful could be so difficult?
While becoming a parent is one of the most incredible experiences, it is also one of the most challenging. You are forced to adapt many aspects of your life, and in turn take on an entirely new role; one without a job description. So, to the first-time parents and/or parents-to-be, let me tell you…yes, it is hard, but know it was hard for everyone. Know that at some point every mom and dad sat exactly where you are right now, feeling the way you are, because nobody enters parenthood knowing exactly what to do or how to do it. So rather than bottling it in, like I did for months, be vulnerable and express your challenges with your partner, your parents, your friends, whomever, because I guarantee they’ve been there. While those challenges seem never-ending, the moment those newborn eyes connect with yours, those challenges all become worth it.
