Surprise parenting choices

[Amity]

The first one: Never thought I'd have children. XH insisted we do it early before he got too old (he was 10 years older than I).

I thought I'd breastfeed for a while. Then realised that I couldn't do it.

Thought I'd stay at home for a year. Managed three weeks.

Never thought I'd be raising children with psychological issues. Married a violent farckwit whose behaviour has caused many problems for the children.

Shall I continue?

[forshelby]

Aw Divvy..


I never thought I'd co-sleep, I used to be a very deep sleeper and was worried I'd hurt DS or drop him etc. Turns out motherhood has rid me of my ability to sleep soundly

I swore I'd BF and use cloth nappies. I did neither, because they were both too hard. Bad decisions. (although I can live with not using cloth..) I gave up on BFing before I'd even really woken up from the hospital haze, and I forgot to have faith in myself. That won't happen again.

I never thought I'd use any form of sleep-training, but it became necessary. Turns out all it took was believing in myself. Once the decision was made that I would not allow a 10 month old to rule my life, he fell into line. I sat down with him, and explained (even though he probably didn't understand any of what I said) that Mummy loves him, and was doing this for his own good. I told him I would always be right there if he needed me, but that big boys go to sleep in their cots without being rocked and bounced for hours. My only major rule was once it's bedtime, DO NOT PICK UP THE BABY. It worked.

I never thought I'd be able to hold down a full time job, and be a good parent. I dreaded my return to work. I was at home for 18 months, most of my pregnancy and the first year of his life. Turns out going to work was good for me, as well as our finances. DS also loves kindy and is developing at lightning speed.


Thanks OP for a thought provoking thread!