Once you have kids, your life changes. A lot. I have to say it for the better, but if you are waiting for your little one to arrive, just be warned that you can’t be prepared for how much your life will change! Two kids later, I have some great advice for you. These are just a few ways your life will change once your bundle of joy arrives.
While the challenges can be daunting, the experience is often deeply rewarding and transformative. Having a strong support system and embracing flexibility can help navigate these changes.
Emotional Changes
Heightened Emotions
You may feel joy, love, and pride but also experience stress, anxiety, or mood swings, especially due to hormonal changes.
Increased responsibility
Realizing you’re responsible for another human being can feel overwhelming.
Bonding moments
A strong emotional bond forms between parents and the baby.
Postpartum challenges
Some parents experience postpartum depression or baby blues.
Changes in Lifestyle
Shift in priorities
Your baby becomes your primary focus, often reprioritizing personal and professional goals.
Social Life
Spontaneous outings may decrease as your schedule revolves around the baby.
Sleep
You will never sleep in again. Well, until they are teenagers.
Daily routine
Everyday tasks, like eating or showering, might need to be adjusted or take longer.
Relationship Adjustments
Partner dynamics
Your relationship with your partner may shift as parenting teamwork becomes a central theme. You will also find yourself bargaining more. You’d be amazed what you’ll do for an extra 5 minutes of sleep.
Less couple time
Time alone as a couple might decrease.
Family involvement
Relationships with extended family might become closer as they help or offer support.
Physical Changes
If you are a woman, your body is never, ever the same. I bounced back pretty well after my first. My second pregnancy completely changed my body, so none of my pre-pregnancy clothes fit!
Postpartum recovery
Women experience physical recovery after childbirth, including healing from delivery or a C-section.
Sleep deprivation
Both parents may feel physically drained due to lack of sleep.
Hormonal shifts
Hormonal changes can affect mood, energy levels, and physical appearance.
Financial Considerations
Increased expenses
Budgeting for diapers, clothes, healthcare, and childcare becomes essential with a new baby.
Career adjustments
One or both parents may adjust work schedules or take parental leave.
Mental and Personal Growth
Patience and resilience
Parenting teaches you to be more patient and adaptable.
Perspective shift
You might find yourself valuing time and relationships more deeply.
New skills
You’ll learn skills you never thought needed, like swaddling or interpreting baby cries.
Social Circle Changes
New connections
You might make new friends through parenting groups or baby classes.
Changed dynamics
Some friendships may evolve as your interests and schedules change.
Your Name
You no longer have a name. You are forever known as somebody’s mom. I’m either Madison’s mom or Will’s mom. I am no longer Lisa.
Newfound Joy and Fulfillment
Cherished moments
Watching your baby grow and hit milestones is incredibly rewarding.
Purpose and motivation
Many parents find renewed purpose in life after having a child.
Having a baby is a transformative journey that reshapes every aspect of your life. While it comes with its share of challenges, such as sleep deprivation, shifting priorities, and adjusting to new responsibilities, the joy and fulfillment of watching your child grow and thrive outweigh the hurdles of these life changes. Embracing each change with an open heart, seeking support when needed, and cherishing the small moments can help make the transition smoother. Parenthood is a profound adventure that brings love, growth, and a new perspective on life, making it one of the most rewarding experiences ever.
When my kids were babies, I would dream of the day when I would get to sleep in. Once they were grown, I have no desire to sleep in. I turned into an early bird morning person.
This is a great list. I can totally relate to the sleep issue. Although my kids are not infants anymore, sleep is not what it once was. There are still occasional middle-of-the-night wake-ups these days!
It is when they are teenagers that you will truly never sleep again! At least when they are 9, you know they aren’t staying at a friends house overnight because her parents don’t pay attention and they can sneak out and take their super-awesome decision-making skills on the road.
These are all so true! I just had my first baby, and I shocked by how much has changed. No one can prepare you for it.
Winning that sweepstakes will make someone’s christmas really special. I do not yet have kids so I can only imagine how life changes.
You’re right on with every one of these! My biggest thing was #2 – I still announce when “I need to go pee”, and all of my kids are beyond potty training … by several years!
Not having kids, it’s easy for me to say “My life won’t change that much.” However, more and more I’m learning from parents how amazing-yet-tiring parenthood is.
Now that I’m a mom of 6, I have no life of my own. I have the honor of being a taxi driver, laundry attendant, hair stylist and sports coordinator among other things. I need to do a better job of making me time.
These are funny but realistic changes in a mom’s life. Nothing is really constant in life, but change.
Everything about this is true. They change every thing about your life and add so much joy too.
A kid can really change your life as your focus switches to them. It’s always worth it though and feels rewarding as they reach one milestone to another.
This list of things that will or will not happen after the kids is indeed true. The giveaway is something I will have to share with my sisters. Sounds like a great financial company.
LOL! Yes! You totally never sleep and you always go potty. Its so funny how much things change once you have kids!
The breast feeding, bottle feeding arguments, 100 times over yes. My husband and I fought hard with this one. It’s hilarious now, thanks goodness we survived that one.
You got it so right here! I’d forgotten how we lose an identity that includes a name though. LOL
“You will never sleep in again. Well, until they are teenagers.” Hilarious! I don’t have kids (I’m only 23, so I still consider myself a ‘kid’ lol) but everyone I know who does have kids agrees with this!
This is so true! But, I think people who don’t have kids will never understand any of this until they experience it themselves.
#5 never happened for us, but I actually didn’t mind. I breastfed and changed all diapers. It is funny how you are concerned about what someone else eats and how they expel it lol!!!
This is so true! Sleep was my biggest issue, so I got a few years to go! Life has never been the same but it’s been wonderful!