While there are plenty of magical moments associated with raising young children – from the first time they say mama or dada, to taking their first steps, and telling you they love you – let’s be real: it’s no walk in the park.
There’s a good reason some parents liken it to being in the trenches. There are times when it’s mundane or difficult to stay afloat – especially in the depths of sleep deprivation, relationship struggles, or physical or mental illness.
You are trying to keep little kids alive, while also raising them to be happy, healthy and not left with any kind of trauma. You also might be trying to hold down a job (or five), pay the bills, and keep on top of the endless list of life admin that comes with running a household. It’s really no wonder some of us are out here forgetting to drink water.
You don’t want to wish it away, but equally it’d be nice to know it does, in fact, get a bit easier. Or at the very least there are moments on the horizon that make those tougher days where you just want to go and cry in a corner worth it.
Recently, paediatrician Dr Lauren Hughes took to Threads and asked parents of older kids to share some of their best “just wait until” stories.
Kicking things off, she said: “Just wait until you can colour with your kids with the GOOD markers because you no longer worry about them eating the tips or scribbling on the wall.”
Here’s what other parents had to say in response…
