“Just wait until you have kids.”
This phrase sends a shiver down my spine, even now that I’m navigating the world of parenthood. Recently, while I was managing my daughter at the grocery store, another shopper chimed in with, “Wait until you have two!” On the surface, it seemed harmless, but a flood of questions filled my mind. Why assume I have plans for another child? What if I were struggling with infertility—how would your comment impact me? Why turn a simple grocery run into a contest of chaos?
I forced a polite smile and returned to my shopping list, reminding myself that I would never utter “just wait until you…” to anyone else. In my single days, I was often told, “Just wait until you’re married.” And once I got married, the refrain shifted to, “Wait until you have kids.” Even during my college years, the wise elders would say, “Just wait until you’re in the real world.”
Now that I’m married, a mother, and fully immersed in adult life, I still struggle to grasp the point behind those comments. My life had purpose and meaning during college and before marriage, just as it does now. Sure, things are different—there’s more joy, but also more exhaustion—but that doesn’t diminish the value of my current experience.
We often find ourselves in a competition over who is busier, who has had less sleep, or who is facing greater challenges. However, we can never fully understand the struggles that others are enduring. Life can be tough; people face work pressures, relationship troubles, infertility, health issues, and countless other difficulties.
Instead of saying “wait until…,” let’s recognize and appreciate what someone is going through in the present. This phrase overlooks the significance of their current situation and reduces their worth to future hardships. Sometimes, the best response is simply a warm, understanding smile that conveys, “I’ve been there, and you’re doing just fine.”
For those considering alternatives to traditional family planning methods, check out our article on the at-home insemination kit, which offers useful insights. Additionally, if you’re exploring dietary choices related to conception, this site can provide valuable information. For a comprehensive understanding of the IVF process, this resource is excellent.
In summary, it’s essential to recognize the challenges and triumphs of others without minimizing their experiences with phrases like “just wait until…” Instead, let’s foster understanding and support in our communities.