There are so many things that people will tell you when you get pregnant. Things about getting enough rest–both you and your children. All about the proper techniques for this or that. More breastfeeding tips then you could imagine. Lots of advice about car seat safety too. And of course, there’s the pros of baby wearing, the cons of… well, lots of things. With all the unwarranted advice I heard about motherhood, there are some things I wish people had told me. Some links contain affiliates, all opinions are my own.
the truth about motherhood
Admittedly, I probably wouldn’t have listened to much motherhood advice anyway. But, I still wish that someone had told me two things. First, how exhausting it is to attempt to do anything “fun” with your littles in tow. Secondly, how much more exciting it is to do anything “fun” with your littles in tow. Yep, they kind of go hand in hand.
Let me share an example.
Living for 20+ years in Orange County I practically grew up at Disneyland and it felt like a second home to me. Nothing was more fun then running around the park for a couple hours with family or friends. As I got older I dreamed about taking my own family to the park and giving them those same fun memories. I remember the first time we took our children to Disneyland a couple years ago. My son was 4 years old and just barely tall enough to go on Big Thunder Mountain. Going on that ride with him and seeing the pure exhilaration on his face as we whipped around corners, his little hands thrown up in the air, laughing hysterically, is a moment I will never forget. I remember thinking that this was the most fun I had ever had at Disneyland.
motherhood is rewarding work
But anyone with children will tell you that there is so much more work involved in going anywhere with children. Maybe with one child it’s not as tedious, but add a second, third, then fourth child? You begin to feel a little like a pack mule. I mean, everyone needs water, everyone needs snacks, there are diapers, sunscreen, a camera for all those magical Big Thunder moments… does anyone need a sweatshirt? What about a change of clothes for anyone who might be potty training? Constant bathroom breaks and stops for  shoe ties.
| Read: Balancing the Mental Load of Motherhood |
Basically, you will never get something done “really quickly” again. A stop at the store for a single item becomes an Everest expedition. Pretty soon you start wondering if you really even need to drag all four of your children to the store for toilet paper. Maybe you can do without for awhile? Seriously, motherhood is the most physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting thing I’ve ever done.
It’s funny how it works out that way. How having kids will be the most wonderful, but also the most exhausting thing that will ever happen to you.
What’s something you had wish someone had told you about motherhood?
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25 Responses to motherhood–what I wish someone had told me
Exactly. Exhausting, and the most fun ever! Esp Disney though. Even with one. 4 sounds very daunting haha.
First of all, these pictures are beautiful, momma!! I can totally relate to this post – brought a smile to my face : )
I never did all four alone, thankfully. We only had three at that time. I did do all three alone. It was… interesting, lol.
It must be so much fun getting to see Disney with your children. It would put a whole different perspective on it. So glad your littles had such a wonderful time, they’ll remember these moments forever 🙂
It really is so fun, and they still talk about it! So much for being too young to remember. 🙂
this is all so true!! one thing my husband and i talked about before we had our first was how we didn’t want it to stop us from doing things. we are very adventurous and love to be outdoors. even though it is SO MUCH WORK to tote two little toddlers and my very large belly along with us everywhere we go, it is so much fun. i love seeing things through their eyes or experiencing some of their firsts with them… it’s all so much more magical. the exhaustion and work seems worth it 🙂
Yes, completely agree with what you said. It is so much work, and sure, there are some days we laze about the house because i just don’t have energy to take them out somewhere, but I always feel like it’s worth it!
I love reading these. Thanks for the insight!
Kari
http://sweetteasweetie.com/coconut-shrimp/
Thanks so much Kari!
You are so right! Motherhood is so exhausting but it is so rewarding!
Yeah, why is that?! 🙂 Why can’t it be a little more rewarding and a little less exhausting?
What a fun collab! There’s soooo much I wish people had told me, but I think motherhood is mostly about discovering things for yourself. I gained a confidence I didn’t have before becoming a mom and I’m so grateful for that.
I think that’s true. I’m a lot more confident in myself then I used to be. I think part of that has to do with maturity and age, but a big part of it comes form motherhood.
Your pictures are stunning! I loved your insight. I’m so glad you were able to participate with us! Hope you do it again!
Aww, thanks so much Kiana! It was fun!
yes, i read this while thinking how dang exhausted I am today. It’s part of the job, but I like the idea of still having fun while doing it!
It’s true, there’s a lot of other jobs out there that are just as tiring but don’t have the same rewards. 😉
Awww… This is so sweet!!! I feel the same way about going on adventures with kiddos! It’s so hard but it’s so worth it!
It’s so true….so, so true!! You never get anything done quickly anymore lol!!
It is very true! Motherhood is so many emotions but very much worth it!
I love this. I only have one baby, but I already feel like everything takes five times longer than it used to! 🙂 But it’s really true, everything is so much more fun!
Beautiful pictures and I love this post! I definitely agree that even the most basic tasks are infinitely more difficult with children in tow, but how awesome is it to see their faces light up on Christmas morning or when going on vacation somewhere new? It truly is an incredible feeling. Motherhood is wonderful, but sometimes it would have been nice to know some of these things prior. But then again, I don’t know if I really would have listened until I experienced it first-hand. 🙂
Leaving the house with 4 kids is no joke! I always tell people to just add 5 minutes per child and that will be our arrival time. It’s mostly true!
Oh my gosh, it’s all so true. Small things become so much more exciting when you see it through your kid’s eyes, but yeah, I hate the “pack mule” aspect of going out! I suppose it’s worth it 😉
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