Misconceptions of Motherhood and Parenting

We all have a concept of motherhood and parenting. Upon actually embarking upon parenting, theories developed prior to giving birth are often shattered into a million pieces. Nothing can really prepare someone for the harsh realities of motherhood.

When childless women think of motherhood, the picture is an idyllic setting. Parenting imaginings prior to actual motherhood consist of the pristine nursery and gently cuddling that sweet bundle of joy amid fluffy bunnies and such prancing around on the walls. How delightful is motherhood and the gentle squeaking of the old time rocking chair as baby drifts peacefully off to sleep.

Imagine another parenting bedtime scene, based in raw motherhood reality. You have not slept longer than an hour at a time in several days. Parenting skills have fallen by the wayside as a gut wrenching wail sounds out from the nursery. The husband is snoring, shirking parenting duties, despite pleas of the desperation of exhausted motherhood and not so gentle nudges.

Stumble to the nursery, tripping over piles of unwashed clothing. Upon entering said nursery an odor from the depths of parenting hell assaults the nostrils. "Oh good God, not again", you cry out in anguish. Yes, that sweet bundle of joy has given a gift beyond description. Still there is the love of motherhood. The diaper is changed with affectionate parenting skills, despite the poop tattoo.

When picking up the still wailing infant and proceeding to the rocking chair, a miscalculation is made. There is one toe under the rocker. The first rocking motion breaks the toe as a bloodcurdling scream and numerous obscenities issue from the depths of a tortured soul. In between screams, hubby's snores resonate through the house. The baby has decided to release the last three feedings into your hair but is asleep so who cares.

Gently you kiss the precious one on the forehead, placing said infant in the crib. Tiptoeing back to bed, you stumble over the laundry once more and fall unceremoniously onto the pillow. You begin to drift off, vaguely aware of a sour lingering smell. It is now that the husband awakens and expresses his desire for a midnight romp. More obscenities than possible issue forth from the face of motherhood and the baby starts crying again.

Isn't parenting a Joy? There are peaceful moments to be sure and that makes the other 90% of motherhood bearable. Know this prior to embarking on parenthood. Motherhood is both the best and worst thing that can happen to anyone. Parenting is caring and happiness, it's beautiful beyond belief, but also parenting is pinched toes, dirty laundry, screaming infants, dirty diapers, vomit, and a lack of sleep. Parenting is love.

Source :

personal experience