When you have a child, you don’t get to choose when to be a parent. You’re a parent 100% of the time. And that can mean you no longer come first – your child does. It means your leisure schedule works around your child’s – not so much the other way around. It means when you plan your day, you plan it with the consideration of your child’s routine. If her bedtime is at 7pm, don’t plan anything outside after 6pm.
When you have a child, you don’t get to think of just yourself anymore. Everything – everything – affects your child/family. It’s not just about how much time you need to get ready for a day out – you should factor in your child’s prep time too. It’s not just about what you need to bring or pack – there’s also the baby bag. You can no longer afford to be selfish.
When you have a child, you need to step up. Suddenly so much is expected of you and if you don’t deliver, chances are you are disappointing more than one person.
You don’t become a parent just because you have a child. Being a parent requires effort, sensitivity, consideration, patience, initiative, generosity, strength and whole load of sacrifice. It requires you to show up, consistently. To be 100% present in the moment with them, even if your eyes are heavy and you’re about to drift away. It requires choosing, everyday, that you’re committed to being a parent and the best one there would be for your child.
And we can’t expect to enjoy the benefits and credit for being a parent if we’re not putting in the hard work that comes with it first.
6 months can teach you quite a bit, huh.