Before we’ve even gotten halfway through our pregnancy journeys, most of us have already envisaged what our babies will look like, how we’re going to dress them, and what it will be like that first time we hold them in our arms.
Of course, it goes far beyond that as we count the weeks down – and we tend to turn the spotlight back on ourselves. Along with the full range of hopes and fears we harbour for our children, we also make certain vows regarding the type of parent we will eventually become. As anyone with children will know, however, it doesn’t quite work that way!
When you’re thrown into the beautiful chaos of parenthood, your best laid plans often tend to go flying out of the window. You’ll find that many of the things you swore you would NEVER do before having kids come to fruition, slowly but surely, before your very eyes.
Here are eight examples:
1. The promise: “Sweets will be an occasional treat”
The reality: As soon as your tiny tot gets a taste of the sweet stuff, you can throw that ambitious ideal right out of the window. Not only will your child learn how to use sweets as bargaining chips, but you’ll even find yourself reaching for the chocolate buttons when all else fails and your ears simply can’t take another minute of the tears and tantrums. Don’t worry, mums – we’re all in it together!
2. The promise: “I’m going to take a ‘me day’ every week”
The reality: We cannot emphasise the importance of a little ‘me time’ enough, and it’s something you should be taking every day – whether it’s half an hour with a cuppa and a magazine, or settling down to an episode of your favourite TV show when the little ones are in bed. But you can kiss goodbye to those days where you’d enjoy a leisurely brunch followed by shopping and a spa treatment by yourself – you won’t want to leave your baba for even an hour, let alone the entire day!
3. The promise: “I will never be late to an important event”
The reality: Sure, you’ll say that now – but wait until you’re just about the leave the house, and the baby vomits, the toddler is demanding an outfit change, and your eight-year-old is refusing to budge until you locate his favourite toy. That paints things in an entirely different perspective now, doesn’t it?! Give in to the inevitable truth that you will be late – and that any person with an ounce of compassion won’t give a damn.
4. The promise: “I’ll serve up a healthy, home-cooked meal seven nights a week”
The reality: We really admire your dedication, mums, but you might want to lower the expectations a little before you keel over! While we all aspire – and work damn hard – to provide delicious and nutritious meals for our families, we need to be a little kinder to ourselves, and more realistic too. There will come a day when you will be totally overwhelmed and rushed off your feet, and if that day calls for frozen pizza or a takeaway meal, then we just need to do it!
5. The promise: “I’ll always make an effort with my kids’ dress-up costumes”
The reality: From the time we dress our children in tiny pumpkin outfits for their first Halloween, we are already setting lofty expectations for each and every party and occasion to follow. And while we have visions of whipping up the most elaborate costumes with nothing but a needle and thread, only very few of us will actually be able to whip up an exquisite bumble bee or princess gown from hand. Sometimes, upgrading your black bin bag with pipe-cleaners and glitter is the ONLY way to go!
6. The promise: “I’ll NEVER become my kids’ personal taxi driver”
The reality: You just need to accept right now that this is one promise you will not be sticking to! With classes, play groups and all-important parties to attend, our children are incredible social creatures – so the best we can do is accept it, and then use it as the perfect excuse to invest in a top-of-the-range car!
Take the SEAT Alhambra, for example. Crafted for both comfort and functionality, this vehicle has a huge interior that can be folded flat into 32 potential layouts, catering for a family-of-seven’s every needs. Optimum safety is guaranteed with SEAT’s 5 xISOFIX anchorage system along with a built-in child seat and sliding doors. Meanwhile, the massage seat function – designed to reduce strain on the spinal column and improve circulation in the legs – will make those extra journeys a pleasure!
7. The promise: “I will not flood social media with photos of my baby”
The reality: While you may have your heart and mind set upon a social media ban, this will most likely all change in the moment that you set eyes on your beautiful bundle of joy. Suddenly, every smile, burp and laugh will become an Instagrammable moment, and your Facebook page will be a veritable fanpage for your baby. Even more incredible is the fact that you could not care less what people think!
8. The promise: “I will not let my house descend into chaos”
The reality: Oh, mums, don’t even try to resist with this one! Firstly, housework is the last thing on your mind and priority list after giving birth. And as your baby grows, and younger siblings come along, cleaning the house basically turns into a game of catch-up. Don’t feel guilty in the slightest – you can only do your best. Remember that a little help can go a long way, too.
