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Organizing Playdates
With my first child, I was on a mission to find every free playgroup and library session. I sang ‘Five Little Monkeys’ with enthusiasm and feigned interest while another mom bragged about her ‘gifted’ child. Now, when the kids play, I’m more inclined to zone out on my phone while occasionally shouting at them from a distance. Got a great organic recipe to share? Sure, but can you email it to me while I deal with a diaper situation? I’ll consider trying it in two years when my youngest starts kindergarten, and I finally have some spare time. These days, my home is basically a constant playdate zone. -
Giving Them Your Full Attention
I snapped countless photos of my firstborn, capturing even the tiniest moments. I could spend hours watching him meticulously arrange his Matchbox cars. Now, I struggle to focus on my children, even when I genuinely try. -
Believing They Are Absolutely Adorable
I entered my first son in pageants long before he could even smile. “Look at my little superstar!” I would boast. Participating in a ‘Mother/Son’ segment, I realized too late that other moms had props and choreographed routines, while I just swung my son side to side like a playful monkey. After a car breakdown on the way home, I decided that was my last pageant experience. -
Taking Them Everywhere
With one child, you can take them anywhere: to work, the grocery store, or even the bar. But with four kids? Those outings have become rare, and we often prefer staying home. -
Thinking They Are Gifted
In my early days of parenting, I would brag about my child’s talents. “Look at this incredible drawing my 9-year-old made!” But then reality would hit: “Oh, Joey, let’s fix that shoelace.” Or I’d marvel at my 2-year-old’s letter recognition until I realized Maria was using pink yogurt as lotion. -
Having Savings
I started a life insurance policy for my first son, envisioning it growing into a nest egg for his future. Fast forward a few years, and we cashed it in for a year of private schooling. Now, tax return season is our highlight of the year. -
Grocery Shopping with Ease
With a single infant, sneaking out to the store was a breeze. A light blanket over the car seat and a few knowing smiles from strangers, and I’d be in and out in no time. As the kids have grown, grocery trips have transformed into full-blown adventures, and with four children, errands are a slow-paced journey instead of a quick task. -
Letting Their Boredom Get to You
When my oldest yawned, I’d rush to spend money on extravagant entertainment like ‘Barney on Ice,’ not realizing he just needed a nap. Fast forward twelve years, and if my kids complain about boredom, I now tell them to entertain each other instead. -
Being Able to Think
When I had just one baby, I could enter a room and remember my purpose—like checking the dishwasher. Now, I wander in wondering, “What did I come here for?” only to leave without a clue. -
Finishing Tasks
With one child, I could complete tasks, but now, finishing anything is a rare accomplishment amid the chaos.
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In summary, parenting your first child is a unique experience filled with moments of joy, learning, and sometimes chaos. The things you do and the way you think evolve dramatically with each additional child, shaping your parenting journey in unexpected ways.