Anna

My husband always said, “if you’re not scared to have kids, you’re not thinking about it enough” meaning that you’re not fully aware of how much of an impact this will have on your life as you currently know it. While I agree with what others have said about unrealistic American parenting standards, the reality is when you have a young child, you can’t be centered on yourself because a helpless being needs you.
If you and your partner can accept that for a number of years you will be needed and someone else’s needs come first in your life and you spend time accepting this reality, I think parenting is the most fun and joyous experience. I find the thing that eats away at unhappy parents is a feeling of resentment towards the freedom they no longer have…and it’s true that you have less freedom but I believe it’s about your mindset. Instead of big weekend trips, we now go to a fun new coffee shop every Sunday morning and that feels like an adventure and that’s okay for now. Expectations matter tremendously.