When the nurse placed my first swaddled newborn on my chest right after I gave birth, I believe the first words out of my mouth to my husband were, “I am so f#@ked.”
And I still feel that way.
Because before kids I was pretty invulnerable.
I worried about things like being carjacked at the intersection of LaBrea and Pico Blvd. coming out of Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles (no biggie if I’ve got the takeout with me).
I worried about contracting cancer from the spirulina in my wheat-free, vegan ciabatta from Whole Foods.
I worried wearing g-strings might give me lady candida. (Just ask The Pussycat Dolls).
And while I also worried something bad might happen to my husband, nothing compared to the raw, savage worry that overwhelmed me when they put that first baby in my arms.
Because nothing bad could ever happen to that little person.
Do you hear me God? Nothing! Yes, I know I haven’t prayed since that time I begged you not to let the fireman break up with me.
And I know you were right to not intervene, because had I married him I would’ve come home from work after our nuptials to find six Geishas in bed with him.
However, nothing bad can ever happen to this child!
When the nurse came in to tell me that they needed to prick my baby’s heel in order to test her for jaundice, it was all Henry could do to keep me from Hannibal Lecter-ing her tongue right out of her mouth.
(BTW my pristine child did not have jaundice. As if.)
Here they are; the good, the bad and the ugly ways having kids changed my life.
1. Before kids, my career was unfulfilling.
After kids, I have no career.
2. Before kids, I was vain.
After kids, I’m vain. Wait. Oh. Well, maybe after grandchildren I won’t be vain anymore?
3. Before kids, I had feeling in my nipples.
After nursing two kids, they no longer feel anything and are simply just for show.
4. Before kids, I cared what men thought of me.
After kids, I care what women think of me.
5. Before kids, I swore there would be no family bed.
After kids, every living creature in our house is in our bed by 5 a.m.
6. Before kids, I wanted to be rich and famous.
After kids, I want to be financially secure and respected by my peers.
7. Before kids, I didn’t like kids.
After kids, I have to stop myself from sneaking up behind a mother with a newborn and trying to sniff a hit of baby scent off his head without detection.
8. Before kids, I loved my husband.
After kids, I’d take a bullet for him, because he’s the best father I’ve ever seen.
He dances a rather embarrassing jig every time his girls kiss him goodnight. Which means maybe they won’t be attracted to philandering firemen when they grow up.
9. Before kids, I found myself amusing.
After kids, I’m my favorite comedian.
The other night, I taught Clare how to Ninja Slap, which is a Three Stooges type of … well … basically slapping someone. (It’s really fun.)
But then she became better at Ninja Slapping than me! (As my cheeks can attest.)
And when we both attempted to Ninja Slap my younger daughter, Bridget, we were shocked at how swiftly Bridget could Ninja Block, then Ninja Slap, then make Clare and me Ninja Cry.
10. Before kids, I was floating and directionless.
After kids, my life took on a deeper meaning. For 36 years I was my main responsibility. And I liked it that way for approximately 34 of those years.
I woke up on my 34th birthday inexplicably sick of myself.
I was sick of thinking about how to fix myself. I was sick of trying to succeed. I was sick of my free time and sleeping in and never cooking.
And although having two daughters 22 months apart derailed my ambitions and made me hungry, sleepy and scared, I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
193 thoughts on “10 Ways Having Kids Changed My Life”
I love your Dances With Words….you are so light on your feet! 🙂
Having kids has made me slow down in life.
https://twitter.com/618mom23boys/status/446700418286903296
having kids made me more patient
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/446739332489961472
Having kids changes you for the better you remember what it was like to belive in Santa again.
Having children has made me appreciate the small moments. Before I had kids, I seemed to be in a rush all the time and anxious to move onto the next thing. Now I wish I could freeze time.
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/446769594942767104
Having my son has made me enjoy the small things in life more. He gets joy out of the littlest things!
Even more that reading fiction, having a kid means occasionally being willing to suspend your disbelief. When she was 3 and calling out the things she saw as we drove past them, I always scanned the skies when she called out “space ship!” Was she seeing into another dimension? A different wavelength of light? It took me a while to figure out that she saw a boat parked in someone’s yard…
I forget how much having my son has changed me until I try to think of my life before he was born. What did I do in the evenings and on weekends? He helps me see joy in mundane chores, whether it be the fun of throwing a diaper in the trash (don’t try to help him! He’s got it) or his emphatic banging on the horse feed tub when it’s pony dinner time. He makes all the little moments in the day seem magical.
Having kids meant never thinking of myself without thinking of them too.
My daughter has made me more patient and loving.
Becoming a mother uncovered a more meaningful motivation to succeed and redefined the meaning of that success.
Having kids made me realize how much my parents love me. Prior to that you have no idea until you have kids of own. It created a much greater respect and understanding for them…And number 7…guilty!
My kids changed me for the better because I spend more time outdoors enjoying nature with them, and they are always pointing out little things to me, so I observe more.
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydinpa/status/447068318969507841
I loved your observations. Having kids has definitely taught me to not sweat the small stuff. All problems get resolved somehow.
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/447100752574443520
I find myself less reckless/liable to behave in a manner dangerous to my own health since having kids – I have a horror of traumatizing them or leaving them motherless!
My niece and nephew have taught me to appreciate the people in my life and recognize the importance of relationships. They also have taught me to make a conscious effort to be happy and pleasure the little things in life. They have taught me not to take life too seriously and don’t sweat the small stuff.
Being a parent has made me be more responsible and patient. Thanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/447124876730433536
Thanks again.
I sort of grew up with them
Being a parent is a challenge
Having kids made me realize it was really possible to love someone unconditionally – even when they screamed endlessly in the night; even when they colored masterpieces on the living room wall; even when they decided that they didn’t have to do homework, ever; even when told me I was an embarrassment to them; even when they stayed out past curfew and I stayed up all night worrying. The best thing about having kids was when they grew to adulthood and let me know that I had done a good job and they loved me unconditionally too.
my kids have made me more patient
Having a child has given me carte blanche to be just as silly as I want with no repercussions, because hey, it’s all about expanding her mind.
My child has taught mehow blessed I am .
Made me be more patient.
austma7@aol.com
I don’t have a kid, but I have a dog who is my “kid”. 🙂 She’s taught me to be happier, in general. I love how dogs are always happy!
My kids have taught me better critical thinking as well as making me better at compromising 🙂 I need both in order to watch out for my kids best interests, as well as balancing freedom with good choices 🙂
Tweeted 🙂 – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/447300586044542976
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/447370255737032704
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
That your heart can fill with more love than you could ever imagine.
They are worth more than all the money in the world.
My daughter has taught me how to love others and to take things simple.
They have shown me how beautiful it is to be selfless.
chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com
Have children has made me more patient and loving. It has also made me less selfish.
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/447435945621454848
my kids have changed me for the better because i try to be a good example and role model for them, so i am more aware of doing the right things at the right times.
Having kids has forced me to get more creative.
They have given me patience, understanding, and the ability to unconditional love.
elysesw@aol.com
Its made me more responsible and concerned about the future of the country.
lazybones344 at gmail dot com
more patience and look at things through children’s eyes – simple joys
tvollowitz at aol dot com
They have taught me to have lots of patience and given me new perspective on life.
https://twitter.com/ardy22/status/447587482750562304
My children taught me selflessness and unconditional love. 🙂
Having children has taught me patience, which was a big problem for me. You cannot be impatient with children at all, and with my new-found patience, it has made other areas of my life better, especially relationships with others. I find the care of children rewarding and watching them grow and change is wonderful.
https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/447708658269306880
Yes, they’ve given me a newfound appreciation for life.
I was pretty depressed until I met my husband and then had my children. I am so happy with them.
I can see the happiness, wonder and beauty in the world through my daughter’s eyes. It is amazing the little things you appreciate with a child in your life.
I don’t have my own kids but the kids at my job remind me that people are resilient in the face of life.
I have learned that even 30 years later you don’t stop worrying. The biggest thing I learned is that the best part of having kids is the GRANDkids!
I don’t have kids, but I have a grandson. I am so much more patient and understanding when he’s around.
I have two daughters and they have changed my life unimaginably so. They’ve shown me how to love and be intimate and selfless. I thought the world revolved around me, now it revolves around them! Everything I do I think about them first, and I never knew I could have so much love for two little ones but my heart always melts when I give them a little kiss or a hug, and they are so precious to me.
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/sweetmatcha/status/448175016304467968
My son has brought me so much happiness, joy, and the ability to understand real love. He’s the light of my life, and I am so happy that I am his mom.
https://twitter.com/ccboobooy/status/448196647256719360
Mine have made me appreciate the small things in life!
We tried for a year to have a baby, and then finally found out we were having twins. They have changed our lives for the better. My husband and I have gotten closer to God because of the things we went through trying to get pregnant and my son being in the Nicu (5 weeks early).
We do not drink anymore, we are more patient, we both appreciate the little things in life more, and we just dedicate our lives and time to our kids. They are such a blessing and truly are the GREATEST gift!!
Thank you!!
faithrains2387 (At) Yahoo.com
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/heavensangel238/status/448263794041430016
Here is my tweet with the #sweepstakesentry Sorry left it out:
https://twitter.com/heavensangel238/status/448269826390122497
My kids have made me a better person…more unselfish and thinking more of others all the time.
https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/448287432664817664
They taught me responsibility and made me a better person.
Before children I was selfish, self-centered, unreasonable, and hard. I’m completely opposite now. I melt just thinking of my children. Each day is hope and wishes for them. It pleases me to get that unfiltered hug and smile.
My girls have made me stronger. They’ve taught me that I am strong enough
to stand up for myself and them. I have to be willing to go that extra mile for
them because no one else will. I can’t stand back and not say anything like I use to because I don’t want anyone hurting my child. Thank you!
Having children has taught me how to really love others and have empathy, sympathy and compassion. Motherhood has been the most fulfilling job I have ever had.
I tweeted.
https://twitter.com/birdiebee52/status/448618251962957824
They taught me to enjoy bad weather, rainy or snowy days are even better in their eyes.
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/448665120541913088
My kiddos have taught me to not take myself or life too seriously 🙂
Tweet!
https://twitter.com/ScoomerBlog/status/448991778746544128
Having my daughter made me a more patient person. I was always pretty patient, but with her I learned to make sure I slowed down and enjoy every moment and wait for things, most everything is worth the wait
I tweeted https://twitter.com/2BeFitBy50/status/449202040322129920
Having Jack made me a more responsible person…a happier person too!
Like you, I didn’t like kids all that much until I had my own.
Beside keeping me active, I became a responsible person.
https://twitter.com/smilekisses/status/449435430614622208
I realize how fast time is going!!
A hilarious & thoughtful post as always, Shannon.
Since having Lucy exactly 3 years ago, I’m less of a perfectionist. I want her to know she can make mistakes and not have to get everything right, so I’ve had to consciously change this tendency in myself…which is an ongoing challenge!
Love this Amelia — such a lovely considered response.
She taught me patience and unconditional love.
My kids have taught me patience.
Having the kids has helped me to trust my own judgment and be a better listener.
thank you
Tweet https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/450809620718579713
Having children changed me in so many ways, I definitely became less selfish but more importantly I realized I had to take better care of myself because I was responsible for more than just my happiness in life.
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/451079738132402177
they made me a better person and stronger
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/451173325276839936
I’m so much less judgmental, parenting is humbling! I do NOT have all the answers!
https://twitter.com/channynn/status/451348513138286592
having kids really taught me how to love. i’m much more compassionate as well
tweet
https://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/451420260881559552
They have taught me true love, patience, motivation, kindness and that we should enjoy every moment in this life!
tweet
https://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/451496477513105408
my daughter changed me to have more patience
My kids have taught me that you can fully function without sleeping until noon like when I was a teenager! LOL
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Tweet: https://twitter.com/coriwestphal/status/452987528740474880
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I only have a furbaby, I was unfortunate and couldn’t carry. But, she is our joy and she brings so much love and happiness to our life.
https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/453069192124567552
I’ve learned a lot about patience and the power of laughter.
My kids have taught me selflessness and a deeper love than I’ve ever known!
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/453687738072457216
My kids have made my life so much funner.
https://twitter.com/kj20082006/status/453754938493906944
My kids made me more creative. They brought back my playful side
I learned that even if everything isn’t perfect – hey its ok!
They’ve made me a more giving person.
to put others needs first
He’s helped me step outside my own perspective.
my son has forced me to slow down and enjoy every moment
https://twitter.com/raggammuffin/status/454618663665291265
They have showed me how to pause and enjoy the little things in life!
https://twitter.com/mistymarie34/status/454790342416404480
My daughter has helped me live in the now and see the world through a child’s eyes….ahhh the wonder!
I have changed for the better by putting others before myself and having more patient. Thanks for the giveaway
Because I had my daughter at such a young age, I had to grow up quite quickly and become a responsible adult and parent.
I have 2 sons, 4 and 6. They have taught me to be more patient.
Having children taught me to try harder to be patient. I’m not sure I’ve succeeded yet. Just think of getting 5 children under 6 years old dressed and out of the house on time. Yeah, allow an extra hour in the planning stage.
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/455611669545111553
they have helped me be less selfish and more patient pryfamily5@gmail.com
tweeted https://twitter.com/DaPryz/status/455709180276404224 pryfamily5@gmail.com
i posted a tweet:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/455889973657341952
Made me realize it’s okay not to control everything.
Having kids changed my perspective on what is truly important
My son has made me a much more patient person, and he makes me take the time to stop and appreciate the little things.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
tweet-https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/456014118575955968
Being a mom has made me a much sweeter, loving and caring person.
My tweet – https://twitter.com/neiddy_ruiz/status/456035616392609794
They make you slow down and see the world from a different view. It seems that until you have kids you don’t appreciate the little things…..things you used to just walk by and never gave a thought to.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/njhhb/status/456075955904069632
Once I had kids I became less self-centered, got to feel what it was like to be a kid again, made me see the world in a much different way, made me value my own life more, it made my relationship with my husband, parents and sisters even stronger and overall I feel like I feel emotions even stronger.
By seeing the wonder in even some not so great things–like bugs!
My kids have made me to constantly strive to be the best mom I can…I quit smoking 5 years ago for them…I’m always trying to set a positive example for them. I was an adventure seeker before them…now I’m much more cautious about EVERYTHING!
tweeted https://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/456157293235564546
I tend to be a spur of the moment person but having kids changed that for good. You have to plan things out, you have to bring this, that and the other thing. When a kid has to pee, they mean Now not ten minutes from now.
https://twitter.com/ddx155/status/456181867008774144
they have taught me patience
I learned unconditional love! My kids have taught me to enjoy every moment!
https://mobile.twitter.com/Shiebs24/status/456274167852048386
My kids made me realize what and who are important to have in my life and to appreciate every moment.
tweet https://twitter.com/hburmeister/status/456343302531727360
No kids yet!
My kids have changed me for the better by making me see life through their young eyes, kids are so positive and see the best in life and other people.
My kids have taught me to slow down and take the stop and smell the roses philosophy so to speak.
I am more patient
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/456450967504830464
teaching and help my nephew has help with more patient
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/456455888836894720
I quit smoking for my little 4 year old daughter because she asked me. After 26 years of the habit I kicked it for her..I want to see her grow up!
I feel like having kids made me live in the moment, and taught me what was really important. Being a mom is the best thing in my life. I love my kids more than anything.
4mariemh atgmaildot com
I consider myself an amazing multi-tasker thanks to my daughter
They have changed me for the better by teaching me patience
Teaching me time management
My kids have changed me completely. The minute I had my first son I knew that the world wasn’t all about me anymore. For the first time I experienced true selflessness. I have 3 grown sons and 2 grandsons now and they are the most important things in the world to me.
tweet
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/456558249534189570
Kids remind us to slow down, unplug and go outside!
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/456601298138189825
MY CHILDREN TAUGHT ME THAT THE BED IS ALWAYS BIG ENOUGH FOR THEM 🙂
I DIDNT KNOW I COULD EVER LOVE SO MUCH
They taught me compassion
My kids have taught me to appreciate the little things and patience.
My son teaches me to live, laugh and love more and more each day. The day he entered this world I became selfless for him. He will be 9 coming up in May and I cannot believe how many ways my life has changed in those 9 years…but all in all he still remains to be the light of my life.
They have made me more patient and have given me so much joy
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/456645090157416448
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
I have found love, patience, and happiness with my babies.
https://twitter.com/femalebiker21/status/456652206314225664
My kids taught me patience and letting go to have fun.
I am more patient.
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/456782791574044673
I don’t have any kids of my own unless you count cats, but I am an Aunt. My nephew has taught me the joys of life and patience.
my kids have changed my life for the better by showing me how to enjoy the little things in life. life is too short to be mad, just smile and have a good time.
My two little boys are the best things I have ever done. They make me whole.
to be more patent.
My kids have made my alot more responsible and caring.
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/456845254092537858
I am more aware of how my actions affect the world.
https://twitter.com/dddiva/status/456867820907671552
Having kids has taught me so much, and helped me become the woman I am today. It is a learning and living process every single day. Losing one of those precious kids has taught me even more than I can imagine. Children are such a gift to be cherished. Becoming a mother is one of the most single, most wonderful things in the world. The death of a child doesn’t change the fact that you will always be a mom, because that doesn’t stop with their passing.
Tweet
https://twitter.com/HeartnSoulmom/status/456883236493221889
My kids taught me love, patience and responsibility
I’ve never had kids. I think they teach you to live in the moment.
Thanks for the contest.
https://twitter.com/slehan/status/456922402291609600
I have learned watching them see the world develop around them. Thank you
I understand love so much more and the future is even more important I have a million times more patience. I also use to wish for time to fly by (growup) and now I wish it would slow down.
https://twitter.com/eaglesforjack/status/456987245627858945
Children make me more responsive to others needs.
Made me more responsible.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/leedhowell/status/457391637329870848
Kid’s have made me have more patience.
https://twitter.com/ajoy1332/status/457514871991459840
Comments are closed.