As a soon-to-be parent, I poured over countless articles and books about parenting long before my daughter arrived last year. I’ve always had a penchant for research, and bringing a new life into the world felt like an enormous project—one I eagerly prepared for. I also faced significant health challenges during my pregnancy, which allowed me plenty of time to dig into the literature, a luxury that’s now a distant memory.
Throughout my reading, I noticed a troubling trend in how writers discuss the tougher aspects of becoming a parent. There’s a phrase that keeps popping up in these discussions, and it’s one that increasingly frustrates me: “It can be difficult.”
Take, for example, the phrases: “It can be difficult to juggle caring for a newborn with sleep deprivation,” or “If hospital staff encourages you to supplement, it can be difficult not knowing when your milk supply will increase.” Or my personal favorite: “Sleep regressions can be difficult for everyone involved, but they won’t last forever!”
These expressions are glaring understatements. They fail to capture the overwhelming reality of the challenges we face. I’m not suggesting we should dwell on the negatives of parenting—there are plenty of joyful moments to celebrate—but when discussing the hard parts, we should be honest about the struggle.
It’s not just that it can be difficult; it is hard in ways you never anticipated. It is downright impossible at times. At 3 AM, when you’re dragging your exhausted self from bed to the crib, battling the eerie silence punctuated only by your baby’s cries, the word “difficult” won’t even cross your mind.
The next morning, you might find yourself swapping stories with your partner, recounting how you barely slept. You won’t describe your night as difficult; you’ll use words that convey the true intensity of the experience.
Nightmare. Hell. Despair so profound that you question your very identity. These are the phrases that get closer to the truth.
We often downplay the struggles of parenting due to the perception that they are deeply personal experiences. Yes, every journey into parenthood is unique, but that doesn’t mean we should keep these conversations private. Privacy can lead to isolation, making parents feel like they are alone in their struggles.
Instead of saying, “It can be difficult,” let’s transform the narrative to: “It is completely impossible at times… but somehow, you will rise to the challenge.” For instance, “It is utterly impossible to adjust to caring for a newborn while battling chronic sleep deprivation, but you’ll manage it, somehow.”
This honesty can be liberating. After all, you’re not alone, and knowing that others share in these challenges can provide solace. For more resources on navigating parenthood, you can check out this excellent guide from March of Dimes, which covers pregnancy week by week.
And if you’re exploring the journey of home insemination, consider visiting our other blog post about the CryoBaby home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo for helpful insights. Additionally, for tips on caring for your baby’s gums and emerging teeth, the experts at this site on baby toothbrushes can be invaluable.
In summary, it’s essential to acknowledge the true weight of parenting. While the journey is fraught with challenges, it’s also filled with love and resilience. Embracing the honest reality of parenthood can prepare us better for the wild ride ahead.