Motherhood isn’t like it is in the pictures
All those lovely theories and unsolicited advice about bedtime, pacifiers, tantrums, routines, meals, potty training, making time for yourself, time for your relationship, time to work out, and so on. Well, in practice, it’s not always that simple. I read somewhere that the perfect mother doesn’t have children. That really made me smile. I love my imperfect family.
All those images we’re bombarded with—a baby with an angelic look and a radiant mom, with perfect hair, not a single dark circle under her eyes, and an impeccably white, perfectly pressed blouse… Well, that photo wasn’t taken at my house!
Don’t get me wrong—I love being a mom; it’s the role of my life. I absolutely loved the 0–5-year-old years—most of the time, anyway. I’m still completely smitten by babies. I loooove those little hands and the cooing sounds. But it was a far cry from the image people projected onto me and what I’d imagined. Almost all my time was devoted to my kids—washing, picking things up, rocking, comforting, cuddling, preparing meals, folding and unfolding the stroller, playing, reading stories, and reading up on child development.
No one had prepared me for doing so much laundry and getting so little sleep. Or for leaky breasts and milk stains. Nor for dealing with a two-year-old who refuses to open his mouth at mealtime. Or for it taking an hour just to get to the grocery store.
There, I’ve said it: motherhood is no walk in the park. It’s not always easy, and it’s not at all glamorous like it is on Instagram. My house isn’t always perfectly tidy, but it’s filled with laughter, joy, the shouts of children playing, and above all, love. Unconditional love. I revel in the magic of watching these little ones grow and thrive—in the happiness of a hug or a smile. I love my children’s sweet kisses.
Parents of young children, rest assured—you’ll soon have more time, because our little ones quickly become more independent, especially when we encourage them. On the other hand, you’ll lose exclusive access to your TV and computer!
Lydia Alder