If there’s one thing I’ve come to realize, it’s that pregnancy and parenting don’t exactly go hand in hand. With a lovely little one draining my energy day in and day out, it’s nearly impossible to maintain my usual parenting standards. While I may not have been the most stringent parent before, this pregnancy has pushed my limits in surprising ways. My current state has led me to lower my expectations significantly, and honestly, I’m in complete survival mode.
Here are my candid confessions of parenting during pregnancy:
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I allowed my son to munch on a fast-food burrito while glued to his tablet in bed. When I noticed bits of beef on his sheets the next morning, I simply brushed them off without even contemplating changing the bedding. I know there’s much to critique here, but at this point, I’m just too tired to care.
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I’ve let my son pee in a cup and then pour it in the toilet repeatedly. It gives me a precious extra 30 seconds to relax, and it makes him proud of his bathroom skills without the constant reminders. Potty training, right?
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I’ve resorted to fabricating stories about everything being closed to avoid venturing out. The park, playground, and even the ice cream shop are all “closed” in my son’s eyes. Miraculously, my favorite taco place remains open, which is quite convenient.
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Any toys that require me to lift a finger are swiftly hidden or tossed out. This especially applies to toys with small pieces. I simply lack the energy to clean up after Legos or puzzles; tripping over them is a pregnancy hazard!
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I’ve told my son that his friends are all too busy for playdates. To clarify, I’m only lying about hosting, not inviting him elsewhere. Recently, he pleaded for his pals to come over, but I envisioned the chaos that would ensue—snacks, messes, and the inevitable bathroom emergencies. I just can’t handle that right now.
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When I received an email from his teacher about his behavior, I didn’t respond. I read it, forwarded it to a friend for advice, and then ignored it for a week. Normally, I’d be proactive, but I just couldn’t muster the energy to deal with it. At this point, his school behavior is their concern, not mine.
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I noticed my son had a little accident and instead of being a responsible parent, I told him it was fine to let it dry. I even suggested he go outside to speed up the process. Admittedly, he had no clean underwear, and I just didn’t have the strength to dig through the house for some.
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After a long day of swimming, I decided my son didn’t need a bath despite being coated in sunscreen and bug spray. I also neglected to wash his sheets afterward, which is probably not my best decision.
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When we ran out of toilet paper, I resorted to tearing up paper towels and leaving them on the back of the toilet for a couple of days. I know, I’m a stellar parent, but I figured it was a step up from using leaves, right?
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I’ve creatively convinced my son that doing chores will help him grow taller or even turn him into a dinosaur. Things like, “If you fetch me a drink, you might grow an inch,” or “Bring me that magazine and you might sprout wings.” It’s a fun way to get some help around the house during this tiring time.
I recognize that my approach to parenting during this pregnancy borders on neglectful, but I’m embracing my relaxed style for now. My son may be in for a shock when the disciplined mom who prioritizes healthy meals and limited screen time returns. Or perhaps that version of me has vanished forever, as I adapt to this new “whatever works” mentality. I only hope that in ten years, he isn’t recounting my parenting blunders in therapy!
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Summary:
Navigating parenting during pregnancy can be a challenge, and many parents find themselves adjusting their expectations. From creative solutions to avoid chaos to the acceptance of a more relaxed approach, this article shares ten relatable ways to cope with parenting while pregnant.