Parenting Tactics You Might Just Embrace Once You’re a Parent
Before you have kids, it’s easy to judge parenting choices from the outside. But once you’re in the thick of it, you might find yourself doing things you swore you’d never do. Here are some parenting tactics that people often change their minds about once they become parents themselves.
Screen Time Isn’t All Bad
Remember when you said your child would never watch TV or use a tablet? Fast forward to a rainy afternoon, and screen time suddenly feels like a lifesaver. Sometimes, a bit of peace is worth it.
Bribery Works Wonders
You used to think bribing kids was a cop-out. But now, offering a sweet treat for good behavior seems like a fair trade. It’s amazing how effective a little incentive can be!
Picky Eaters Are Real
Before kids, you imagined raising adventurous eaters. Yet here you are, preparing pasta for the third night in a row because it’s the only thing they’ll eat. Flexibility becomes key.
The Bedtime Battle
Co-sleeping might have seemed strange before, but when it means everyone gets some sleep, it starts making a lot more sense. Sleep is precious, and you take it however you can get it.
Public Meltdowns Happen
It’s easy to think you’d handle public tantrums differently. But when your child is on the floor screaming in the store, you realize sometimes it’s just about getting through the moment.
Clingy Kids Aren’t Spoiled
You might have judged parents with clingy kids, assuming they were too indulgent. Now you know that some kids simply need more reassurance, and that’s perfectly okay.
Messy Houses Are Normal
Keeping a spotless house with kids around is a herculean task. Toys everywhere? Consider it a sign of creativity and fun. Tidying up can wait for another day.
Praise for Small Wins
Cheering for every little achievement might have seemed excessive, but now you understand the power of positive reinforcement. Those small victories mean the world to them.
Changing Plans Is Part of Life
Spontaneity takes a backseat when you have little ones. Being flexible and going with the flow becomes a necessity as plans shift based on your child’s needs.
Eating Out with Kids
Dining out with children might have seemed like a nightmare, but you learn to embrace the chaos. Sometimes, a meal out is a much-needed break from cooking at home.
These are just a few ways perceptions change once you step into the shoes of a parent. It’s all part of the journey, and learning to adapt is what makes it so rewarding. So, if you find yourself doing things you never thought you would, know you’re not alone—it’s all part of the adventure! Welcome to parenting, where flexibility is the name of the game.
