Lessons I've Learned Through Parenthood

You’re reading Modern Motherhood Musings, a weekly newsletter written from one mom to another. Each week I share an honest reflection on motherhood, and a collection of things bringing me joy. I’m passionate about community, and I hope that by sharing our stories, we all feel a little less alone. Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

They say parenthood changes you, and it undoubtedly does. Since becoming parents, we’ve navigated countless moments—some joyful, some frustrating, many filled with tears, and a surprising number punctuated by laughter. And it's through laughter that we’ve stumbled upon the most unexpected lessons.

Here are just a few:

• No one sleeps harder than a dad who has the baby monitor on his side of the bed. The baby could be auditioning for a heavy metal band, and he’s out like a light.

• “Sleeping in” no longer means noon; it now means 7:30 a.m. If you're lucky.

• You can have a clean house or empty laundry baskets, but never both. It's an unwritten rule of parenthood.

• Never assume a high school babysitter will know to put the leftover pizza in the fridge. A gallon-sized plastic bag on the counter is apparently not the universal signal for “store me.”

• There is nothing more luxurious to a kid than a hotel room with a jacuzzi tub smack in the middle, 1970s honeymoon style.

• You’ll spend the most time packing the lunchbox that ends up taking a scenic round trip to school and back home to the trash.

• If your kid loved bananas last week, they will not touch them this week—right after you stocked up on an extra bunch.

• There’s no one thirstier than a kid who just got tucked into bed. Hydration becomes a full-time job at 8:05 p.m.

• My new favorite sanctuaries for peace and quiet are my shower and my closet. I never spent more time sitting in my closet before becoming a mom.

• Items in your home will be forever renamed. The remote is now the “memote,” and there’s no turning back.

• A two-hour road trip actually takes four. It’s a law of physics.

• There are hundreds of cookbooks filled with kid-friendly meals everyone will love. Those meals will be rejected with dramatic flair by the entire family.

• No one moves faster than a toddler who just put something they shouldn’t have in their mouth. Olympic sprinters don’t stand a chance.

• The battery in the fire alarm will always go out in the middle of the night, never during the day, and it’ll always be in one of the kids rooms.

• There’s no surface safe from a child with a stomach bug. Every square inch of your house is fair game.

• As soon as you decide to put on a cute outfit, or comb your hair, it will inevitably get ruined.

• If you make a comment about someone, your child will absolutely repeat it in public. Loudly. And in front of that exact person.

• Christmas doesn’t end on December 25th. You’ll still be watching The Grinch well into February.

Parenthood is humbling and always unpredictable. I’ve learned more about myself in these small, absurd moments than I ever thought possible, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. Here’s to continuing to grow, change, and find joy in the hilarity of it all.

🫓 My mother-in-law introduced me these crackers and I can’t get enough, I ate a whole bag in one sitting today. The Rosemary and Olive Oil flavor are my favorite.

🖼️ I bought this frame for multiple Christmas presents and it’s so pretty in person. I’m going to buy some additional ones for our house.

👗 Pair this Red Jumper with some festive earrings for the perfect holiday outfit. I wore it last week and my mom loved it so much she went home and bought it!

Happy Friday, Friends! I hope you’re all having the most magical holiday season!

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