Updated: Aug. 21, 2015
Originally Published: April 26, 2010
Any experienced mother will tell you that nothing can truly prepare you for the rollercoaster of motherhood. You can dive into countless parenting guides, engage on every forum available, and even collect pamphlets from your doctor’s office. But when the moment arrives where your child has an unexpected meltdown or when you find yourself knee-deep in a mess, all those resources become irrelevant.
You might think you’re prepared for a thorough cleaning of your living room after a playdate, but nothing can brace you for the chaos of a toddler’s tantrum or the surprise explosion from a diaper. Even the Boy Scouts’ motto of “always be prepared” falls short. The reality is, you can never be fully ready.
However, reflecting on my pre-parenthood experiences, I realize that certain personal shortcomings have surprisingly smoothed the transition into this new role. Here’s how my less-than-ideal habits have inadvertently equipped me for the challenges of motherhood:
1. Housekeeping is Not My Strong Suit
While my home isn’t a disaster zone, I wouldn’t win any awards for cleanliness. How often do I really need to vacuum? I’ve mastered the art of sorting laundry into “clean” and “dirty” piles, with the former often residing on the couch. This lack of housekeeping finesse has made me resilient to the daily messes that come with parenting. After all, I’ve stepped over worse on my way to the couch!
2. Sleep? What’s That?
I haven’t enjoyed a solid night’s sleep in years—ever since the Clinton administration, to be exact. With stressors like work and social obligations keeping me up, I was already accustomed to sleep deprivation. So when those sleepless nights of parenthood hit, they felt like just another Tuesday night.
3. Shopping is a Chore
I’ve never enjoyed clothes shopping. The entire process—from trying things on to realizing nothing fits—feels like a marathon. Before kids, I was a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl, and now it’s yoga pants all the way. The best part? I can order them online, avoiding the fitting room altogether.
4. Toilets Are My Nemesis
In my worst nightmares, I’m endlessly scrubbing toilets. They’re inherently unpleasant, designed to handle unpleasantness. Thankfully, until my kids are potty trained, I only have to deal with my own sanitation struggles—no extra messes just yet. I’m perfectly okay with them staying in diapers until they’re practically ready for kindergarten.
5. Exercise? I’ll Pass
The mere thought of working out makes me feel exhausted. Gyms, fitness classes, and workout videos all sound like a lot of effort. Fortunately, my kids provide me the perfect excuse to skip the gym, allowing me to avoid any guilt about not exercising while still enjoying the mental benefits of that choice.
6. Makeup Skills? What Are Those?
Applying makeup has never been my forte, but now that I have kids, I don’t have to worry about it! Anyone who notices my tired appearance can simply chalk it up to motherhood. Who has time for a full face of makeup when you’re chasing after little ones?
While there’s no foolproof way to navigate the complexities of parenthood, my personal quirks and challenges have eased the transition into this new chapter of life. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to tackle that ever-growing laundry pile before I get sucked into another four-hour quest for sleep.
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Summary
Navigating motherhood is a unique challenge that no amount of preparation can fully address. However, personal flaws and habits from my pre-parenthood life have surprisingly equipped me for the chaos of parenting. From my less-than-stellar cleaning habits to my inability to sleep well, each quirk has made the journey slightly easier.