Having children forces us to change; it usually makes us better people. Here are some of the ways parents can and have grown themselves, while guiding their own children down the path of life.
You become more caring
The instant you lay eyes on your newborn, you fall instantly head over heels in love. You didn’t know such an intense, powerful, all-consuming love could exist. But it does. When your baby grabs your finger, you don’t want him or her to ever let go. But they will, someday. Until then, embrace the softer side that being a parent brings out in you. Whether it’s burying a deceased fish in the backyard under the old oak tree for your tearful preschooler, or rubbing your miserable toddler’s back when she’s sick, you’ve developed a soft spot for this little person, and it spills out into how you relate to others. That’s a good thing.
You toughen up, too
Were you the type who vowed never to change a poopy diaper? Clean up vomit? Well, parenthood requires you to be tougher in some areas than you might have been before having children. Being spit on by your precious bundle of joy may be gross, but you deal with it. Diaper blow-outs? Disgusting, but it’s all a part of the package of parenthood. Sick little ones means teaching them to hit the toilet or garbage cans. And when they don’t, guess who cleans it up? You. But you can do it. Because you’re a parent now, and that’s just one of the many things you have to do.
You are aware of the world
Maybe you didn’t grow up recycling, upcycling, conserving energy, or paying attention to the scary parts of the world. But now you’ve brought a little person into this world, and it’s your job to protect him or her. There’s no need to go overboard of course, but you want this world to be a better place for your child to grow up in. You now you find yourself sorting plastics and glass, maybe using cloth grocery bags, and even helping pick up trash at the park while on a playdate. You’re also more vigilant in crossing the street, staying safe in the parking lot, and you hold hands with your child- not only because it’s a show of affection, but it’s a way of keeping him or her safely close by.
You become a bit domesticated
Remember the endless bowls of ramen noodles you ate in order to survive in college? Now you have a little one solely dependent upon you for food. If you thought you couldn’t cook, well, you learn. You find yourself seeking out organic, all natural, locally grown, and other terms you never cared for. You maybe make homemade baby food, or only buy the best for your wee one. You also figure out how not to turn an entire load of laundry pink, and one of the biggest victories you’ll relish with fist pumps and whoops of joy, is when you successfully assemble a crib or complicated toy.
You find your flaws and fix them
When you’re interacting with your children, helping them grow, you discover things about yourself that you really don’t want them mirroring. If you are teaching them manners, but realize you don’t say please or thank you very often, you can change that. You want to set a good example, and children look to their parents for guidance. One of the biggest shockers is when your adorable son or daughter spits out a swear word that he or she had heard you utter once or twice. Whoops! Time to check yourself.
You want to be healthier
One of the biggest punches to the gut when you’re a parent, is to create a will that establishes who will raise your child in the event that you and your significant other dies. Wait, didn’t you just give birth? Well this is all part of being a responsible parent, and it makes you realize that you’re no longer that invincible teen or college kid. You have bills and you have a child. Maybe it’s time to kick a bad habit, exercise during your lunch break, and start taking those vitamins. Even though the time available between work and parenthood is limited, you realize that you still need to take care of you, and be the healthiest parent you can be for your child.
You are their first teacher
When you have a preschooler, you will be asked every question imaginable. It’s important that you respond to every question, and if you don’t know the answer, look it up. Your child is seeking interaction, support, and raw knowledge that you can offer him or her. However, once you begin tackling algebra and chemistry with your middle-schooler or high-schooler, Google searches will become your friend.
You are their No.1 fan
When people say time “flies by”, it’s the truth. In the blink of an eye, your child will grow from a tiny bundle of a joy to a high school senior preparing to head off to college. You will never stop being a parent, but you have just 18 years to make a huge impact, to help mold this child into an independent, caring, successful adult. Do not waste any of your time on the little things. Be present at school concerts, plays, ball games, and all the things that are important to your child. Sit down for a tea party, colour together and play catch in the yard. Let him or her know that they’re a priority in your life. Be their No.1 fan. Because someday, there won’t be piles of laundry, a sink full of dishes, or homework to do. So relish this time together.
