Updated: Dec. 30, 2023
Originally Published: May 28, 2015
As a parent, there are often lofty expectations regarding how your child will grow, what they will enjoy, and the lessons they’ll learn. We tend to set the bar high and sometimes forget that children are not tiny adults. It’s often the simplest things that bring them joy—a bright balloon, a cone of chocolate ice cream, or an impromptu dance party in the kitchen. I still take my kids to educational venues, but I’ve learned to embrace the reality that the highlight of the trip might be who gets to press the elevator button. Here’s a look at the contrast between a mother’s dreams and the often humorous realities.
Museum Outing
Mom’s Expectation: We’ll leisurely wander through the museum, marvel at the dinosaurs, and explore the butterfly exhibit.
Reality: The kids dash through the displays, declaring it boring, but then they sit mesmerized for 20 minutes at the T-Rex exhibit due to the fake blood. Lunch? Overpriced hot dogs and chips.
Beach Day
Mom’s Expectation: We’ll stroll along the shore, collect seashells, and watch the sun dip below the horizon.
Reality: Your son finds a condom, your daughter steps on a stick, and suddenly they’re both hangry, prompting an early exit before sunset.
Movie Night
Mom’s Expectation: We’ll enjoy popcorn and share laughs as a family.
Reality: You’re up at least five times to escort a child to the restroom, grab snacks, or hunt for lost shoes. You’re also apologizing for their chatter disrupting nearby moviegoers. And your son? He shouts “Kissy, kissy!” during the romantic scenes.
Family Vacations
Mom’s Expectation: A chance to unwind, catch up on sleep, swim, and have fun.
Reality: The car breaks down, you end up sharing a bed with a different child each night, you’re up before dawn, suffer from sunburn, and you crave home by the second day.
School Experience
Mom’s Expectation: They will enjoy math, learn to read, and improve their sharing skills.
Reality: The highlight of their day is the hot lunch.
Field Trips
Mom’s Expectation: The kids will gain knowledge and appreciate the arts.
Reality: The bus ride is their favorite part.
Hotel Stays
Mom’s Expectation: The kids will have fun in the pool and enjoy breakfast in a new setting.
Reality: They’re afraid of strange noises, crowd into your bed, and switch beds multiple times. You resort to throwing snacks at them to get a few hours of sleep, departing by 7:30 a.m.
Air Travel
Mom’s Expectation: Flying will be an exciting adventure! They’ll sit quietly, snack, play games, and watch a movie.
Reality: Your son licks the tray, both of them touch every surface in the airplane bathroom, and they down all the snacks in the first 15 minutes.
Birthday Celebrations
Mom’s Expectation: Friends and family will gather to celebrate with perfectly coordinated cupcakes and games.
Reality: The cupcakes look like a toddler made them, your child gets sidetracked playing with the first gift, and all the kids bicker over one pink balloon.
Ballet Class
Mom’s Expectation: My daughter will learn ballet basics and admire her teacher.
Reality: She’s too busy twirling in front of the mirror, captivated by her own skirt.
Soccer Practice
Mom’s Expectation: My son will thrive on competition and teamwork.
Reality: He’s far more interested in a nearby anthill and watching a puppy chase a butterfly.
Trip to Chicago
Mom’s Expectation: A love affair with the city’s architecture, museums, and food.
Reality: The hotel pool becomes the highlight of the trip.
Water Park Adventure
Mom’s Expectation: The kids will relish the thrilling water slides.
Reality: They’d rather toss coins at The Claw Machine. Yes, we really need another stuffed animal.
Disney World
Mom’s Expectation: They’ll enjoy every single moment.
Reality: They genuinely love it all, but still find the turnstiles entertaining.
As parents, we often try too hard. Next time, just let them loose in the backyard with Super Soakers and a jar of Nutella. Sometimes, simplicity is the best approach.
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Summary
Motherhood often involves navigating the gap between our idealized visions and the sometimes chaotic realities of parenting. Through various family experiences—from trips to the museum and beach to birthday celebrations and vacations—it’s easy to see how expectations can clash with what actually unfolds. Embracing the unpredictability and finding joy in the simple moments can lead to a more fulfilling parenting journey.