10 Times You Went Back On Your Pre-Parenting Promises

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As parents, we often find ourselves in the position of judging others. We’ve all crafted a mental list of things we would never do when we had kids, only to later discover that those very rules were meant to be broken. More often than not, we crawl back to those promises, often with a tired smile, while the seasoned parents we once looked down upon smirk in satisfaction. Here are ten classic examples of how we’ve reneged on our pre-parenting convictions:

  1. No Smart Devices for My Child
    I once swore my child would never play with my smartphone or tablet. But let’s be real: when faced with a toddler determined to throw everything in aisle three, the allure of a free Strawberry Shortcake game on the playstore becomes too tempting. So, judge away—when my patience runs thin, out comes the phone.
  2. Backpack Leashes Are Out of the Question
    Remember sipping that frappuccino while shaking your head at the mom with her child on a backpack leash? I was that judgmental observer, and here I am now, convinced that my sanity is worth a little pink unicorn leash to keep my wild toddler in check.
  3. Home Cooked Meals Every Night?
    I had grand plans for wholesome, homemade dinners every night. But it turns out that the allure of a Happy Meal is just too strong for the tired parent. So much for my wholesome intentions.
  4. I Will Never Let Myself Go
    I had lofty ambitions of maintaining my pre-baby body, but then my little one decided that sleep was optional. Pinterest boards filled with fitness plans have turned into reminders of what I’ll get back to “one day.” For now, I’m just hoping a few crunches can counterbalance the corn dogs.
  5. Baby Talk Is Not My Style
    I used to roll my eyes at parents who spoke in baby talk, but here I am, referring to the restroom as the “potty” and speaking about myself in the third person. How did I even get here?
  6. No Empty Threats
    “I will never make threats I can’t keep”—famous last words. My daughter has heard it all: the TV ban, the call to Santa, the toy toss. But guess what? Santa still brings gifts, and her toy room is still a disaster zone.
  7. “Because I Said So”
    As a child, I promised I wouldn’t leave my kid hanging with vague answers. I was convinced I’d explain everything. Yet, after countless attempts to reason with a three-year-old, I’ve resorted to the dreaded “Because I said so.” It’s easier that way.
  8. My Child Won’t Act Up in Public
    I was so sure my child would be the epitome of decorum while shopping. Fast forward to reality, and I’ve had to drag my screaming child out of stores, leaving me feeling like a crazy person. Karma is real, folks.
  9. A Clean House Is a Given
    I thought being a stay-at-home parent meant I could keep a clean house without breaking a sweat. Little did I know that mess is a part of the gig. My sincere apologies to all the moms I judged before becoming one myself.
  10. No TV as a Babysitter
    I imagined daily educational crafts while I whipped up dinner. Instead, I’ve learned that my child is only interested in what I’m doing, leaving me with no choice but to let Netflix babysit. Sorry, but I need those five minutes to myself.

The truth is, none of us could have anticipated the challenges of parenting. You’re not alone; we’ve all had our fair share of backpedaling. So go ahead, shake your head at the next parent who is struggling with their own set of promises.

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Summary: Parenting is full of unexpected twists, often leading us to abandon our pre-parenting promises. From allowing screens to using the TV as a babysitter, these experiences remind us that we are all in this together, learning and growing as we navigate the chaotic journey of parenthood.