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What People Mean When They Say Parenting Is Hard

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No one prepares you for what motherhood is really like. People may say it's the hardest job you will ever have, but they never delve into specifics. You smile and nod along, unaware of what is to come once you have kids.

They don't tell you the mind-altering state of sleep deprivation you reach when your baby is determined to never "sleep through the night." And it can last for years.

They don't tell you that you will be so anxious with worry that the sleep you so desperately need doesn't come.

They don't tell you how you long for a little bit of time to yourself to remember the individual you were before you became Mom, but that every free moment you have is wracked with guilt.

They don't tell you that you become the keeper of all the things – the doctor's appointments, the daycare/school events, the dinner menu, making sure your kids have seasonably appropriate clothes that fit, knowing where your three-year old stashed his favorite toy last week.

They don't tell you that resentment will grow towards your partner for no reason other than you are unbelievably exhausted.

They don't tell you that you will be so touched out from a clingy toddler and needy newborn that your personal bubble will expand and be your hiding place.

They don't tell you that you miss your kids while you are at work all day but when you are home with them it doesn't take long to feel completely worn down.

Maybe these aren't all mother's truths, but they are mine. And I'm here to tell you what people mean when they say, "It's hard."

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Photo by Matt Hoffman on Unsplash


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