Compare your life before and after having kids
Author: Angkhana K.
Level: 6
Instructor: Mona B.
Photo Credit: 123RF Stock Photo
Article ID: 1042 [Parenthood- Fall 2018]
I had my child when I was quite old, at 40 years of age. My life is very different now, being married with a newborn baby, from the life I lived when I was single. Here are some examples of the contrasts between those two lives. I have a feeling this is true for each and every mother as well.
My hair
Before kids: I used to dry my hair with a hair dryer and then make some curls with my electrical curling iron. I spent a lot of time fixing my hair in the bathroom. I felt more confident before I walked out of the house.
After kids: My hair stays wet for a few hours and is boring and straight. I have no time to even comb my hair and I don’t feel like going out at all.
My exercise and friends
Before kids: I used to take a hot yoga class every weekend and meet friends for coffee or lunch. My time spent shopping with friends was fun.
After kids: My exercise is carrying the baby and walking him around the house. My best friends are now my baby and my husband.
My sleep
Before kids: 10 o’clock was my bedtime and 6 o’clock was the time I woke up. I woke up fresh from eight hours of sleep and felt ready for each new day.
After kids: I have no fixed time to go to bed and wake up. My baby is now the boss - I respond to him whenever he wakes up or goes to bed. The black rounded eyes of the teddy bear are what my eyes look like now.
My life:
Before kids: My husband and I usually spent most of our time together; cooking, cleaning, gardening, traveling, watching movie, giving each other haircuts, etc.
After kids: Time with my husband is cut in half and now I miss having time with my husband.
However, every morning I wake up, I look at my son’s face, I smile and I am grateful to my husband for giving me the precious gift of a baby. Our baby brings joy and love to my life. Before having a child, I used to think that my life alone was fulfilling but I now feel complete. I can’t find the words to explain exactly how I feel. As a result of experiencing pregnancy, labor and the suffering that goes with that experience, I now know how much my mom loves me and today I love my mom more than ever.