The Seven Things I thought I’d do differently before having Children
Before I became a mother, I had lots of ideas in my head of what my life would be like
But then we had child one, shortly followed by child two only thirteen months later. And two years later child three so those ideas went out the window!!
Now it’s a matter of survival!!
The before is how I imagined things would be:
1. No Co-sleeping
Before:
Mammy and Daddy’s bed is just for Mammy and Daddy.
Reality:
I went back to work after maternity leave on first baby already pregnant. We did everything possible to get some sleep so that meant co-sleeping. Then baby two wanted in our bed too. So, it was the four of us in bed until baby three came along. Now, though they all start off in their own beds, we play musical beds most nights!!
2. No Treats
Before:
My kids will eat all their meals and get treats only occasionally
Reality:
Treats are a form of bribery. If you eat all your dinner you will get something nice to eat. If you let me leave without screaming and crying you will get something nice to eat.
3. No Phone / Limited TV
Before:
My kids will not watch too much TV or get phones / tablets
Reality:
Netflix is my best friend!! They don’t watch TV all day every day. I find with some meals I don’t mind them having TV / laptop on. Sometimes it means they will eat without noticing rather than having a battle over getting them to eat. Other times it helps so I can get something done – like have a shower without an audience!! And they get the phone sometimes in the evening when they’re tired and won’t get in their PJs otherwise.
4. Only Combination Feeding after Six Weeks
Before:
I wanted to breastfeed, but I thought I’d introduce a bottle of formula at six weeks
Reality:
I didn’t manage to breastfeed on my first due to lack of support and me not being in the right frame of mind. I was too scared to try on my second. But on my third we got it right first day. I had a great midwife who helped me to breastfeed in the recovery room. It was all going well so I didn’t feel the need to introduce that bottle of formula. She fed until after her second birthday.
5. No Swearing
Before:
I won’t swear in front of the kids
Reality:
I’m so bad. I really must try and watch my language. While I think it’s funny sometimes that they repeat my swear words I don’t think it’ll go down too well in school!! Bad mammy!!
6. Couldn’t Survive on Less than Eight Hours Sleep
Before:
I always needed at least eight hours sleep before children. I didn’t know how I was going to survive with less.
Reality:
I haven’t had a full night’s sleep since 2013! Somehow you just learn to live with less sleep. While I’m tired after a particularly bad night most days I feel fine and I just get on with it.
7. I won’t be Late
Before:
I was always on time. Well apart from the time I was an hour late for my own wedding, but let’s not talk about that!! And that will continue after having children.
Reality:
I am always late. I’ve three children six and under and somehow every time you’re trying to get out the door something happens. They can’t find their shoes. They won’t put them on. They won’t come to brush their teeth or hair. One of them needs to poo. Now that my eldest two are in school I’m really trying hard to get there on time!
So, my life isn’t exactly the way I planned it. But do you know what I wouldn’t change a thing, well except the swearing maybe!!