Becoming a parent really changes your life

They say when you become a parent that your life changes and though you may not realise how much true this statement is, it is fair to say that life changes dramatically once you have a little one to care for.

They say when you become a parent that your life changes and though you may not realise how much true this statement is, it is fair to say that life changes dramatically once you have a little one to care for. You may think life will continue the same albeit with a child to care for, but the truth is you change as a person and therefore, your life alters too. Only a parent can totally understand the changes that occur. Most new parents report feeling scared or more worried as they try to care for their child. They feel pressured to provide for a little one and this is stressful, so it is only natural it changes your life. 
I know that when I had a child I was overcome with love and utter fear. The feeling that the little person was the most important person in the world yet, you were terrified by how to care for them properly. I used to spend hours watching my baby for those first few nights in awe at her beauty and how delightfully perfect she was. I loved her, but I too, was terrified. What I didn’t realise is how your life changes, yes, I had a kiddie, but I was under the assumption that everything would remain the same. How wrong I was! 
I thought friends would remain by my side, but I didn’t figure that once you weren’t part of the party circuit that you were no more a part of the club. It was scary, sad and lonely but I did have a wonderful little baby. While I was once a walk over, children have this canny way of making you so much braver. While you may take crap off people personally if your child is involved it will hurt and it will hurt hard. 
The day to day changes too with walking out of the house in short notice being nearly impossible, there can be no more last-minute trips to the shop or indeed the pub on a sunny evening. Everything must be pre-planned and organised. Though you may get a night off you will be worrying when you leave your baby. You won’t want to leave them, but you will also need the time away to refuel and to remember to be you. It is easy to lose yourself once you have kids. But you shouldn’t allow it to happen. 
There are money and finances to factor in too when you have children. Money will disappear once the kiddie needs nappies, wipes and other stuff. If you think that is bad wait until they hit the teenager years and you may as well hand over your bank card! The truth is no part of parenthood is easy. The worry and anxiety doesn’t go away, and I can only imagine worrying about your kids when they are legally adults. They’ll always be “your” baby. 
Parenting changes you but in a good way. The love you feel is like no other and the laughs are second to none. No one will make you feel like your children do and though lots of things change in life this is one thing that is for the better. 
Written by Emma Hayes, Staff Writer at Family Friendly HQ

Emma Hayes

Emma Hayes is a busy mum to two girls aged 17 and 11 and is married to her childhood sweetheart.

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