How has becoming a parent changed you?

[RitaZ.]

Just thought I'd start this thread for all of us to reflect and share how becoming parents has affected us.

I have changed in so many ways... I have become more patient, more accepting of others (you've got to work with what you have), compassionate, learned that there isn't only one way of doing things in life, humility, that I'm not in control as much as I like to think I am, etc.

I like me better now than before I had children. Not saying that it's this way for everyone or that it should be, only the way it has been for me.

Anyone else?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I didn't respect the life that was given to me. I was a care-free, party, have a good time girl. Future? What was that?

My dd was born with life-threatening issues and it turned me & DH into an adult, very quickly.

 

[snoopy]

I've learned its o.k. to color outside the lines. I've become infinitely more flexible.

 

[Cruise04]

Sort of like Mystery Machine I grew up very quickly as well. I was a partier, having a great time with life type of person too - drinking a lot and just didn't have a care in the world. Once I found out I was pregnant that all changed. And once I held her for the first time I knew my life was forever changed. I was a responsible person but just like to party and have a good time. Now I'm more responsible, more organized, and due to the life that I've had to go through since having her, getting married, getting divorced I've learned to stand up for me and my rights. I would have never been that way before having her. I knew no one else was going to do it for me so I had to. I drive the speed limit, I wear my seatbelt, I am careful to what I say to people and how I speak my mind, I'm careful with what comes out of my mouth, and I am careful to not to lie as I HATE liars and I hate what a lie can do to a family and a person. And I'm much more respectful of people than I ever use to be - I've also learned that life is much more precious than I would have ever imagined - this comes from knowing people who have lost children to death. You never ever know when they will be gone.

 

[WilmaBud]

I've become more compassionate (esp. as a teacher). I've become less self-involved. I've become more of a worry-wart in some ways (always about my kids' safety, health, and happiness) and less of one in other ways (things other than the health, happiness, and safety of my kids don't seem so important). I've learned that I can love someone so much that I'd risk my own life to save theirs. I'm all-around a better, happier person since I've become a mom.

 

[coliebird]

Originally posted by RitaZ.
Just thought I'd start this thread for all of us to reflect and I have changed in so many ways... I have become more patient, more accepting of others (you've got to work with what you have), compassionate, learned that there isn't only one way of doing things in life, humility, that I'm not in control as much as I like to think I am, etc. I like me better now than before I had children.

This pretty much sums up how I feel. I also never knew I could love another human being the way I love my daughter.

 

[Sandy V.]

I never knew that I could really feel so deeply and strongly for someone that I would die for them . . .

That I would be so happy when they were overjoyed with a certain turn of events, and that I would be so miserable inside when they were hurt, sad and disappointed. That I would never stop worrying about them and their welfare, even when they got bigger than me!

I've learned how tough it is to sit back and watch them learn from their mistakes, and not jump in and "rescue" them.

I realize what I precious gift I have to have 2 teenagers who still tell their Dad and me "I love you" before they go to school each day and before they go to bed each night.

I've been given great gifts in my life!! I'm less self-involved and smug about my life, because being a parent means constant evaluation about the decisions you make.

 

[momof3disneyholics]

I work harder, I worry harder, and I love harder

 

[CEDmom]

I've become much more patient. I'm much more careful about what I say and try not to judge people. I try to find the positive in every situations. I've learned to love beyond what I thought humanly possible.

 

[lstokes]

I have a deep respect for my own parents that I never had before.

I know what it is like to have your heart ripped from your body at the death of my 5 month old son from SIDS....

I have experienced the raw wonder of looking into their eyes for the first time....

I have earned the respect of a teenager....

I know that I am not perfect....neither is anyone else....

 

[Robinrs]

The song by Stevie Wonder sums it up for me:

For once in my life I have someone who needs me
Someone I've needed so long
For once, unafraid I can go where life leads me
Somehow I know I'll be strong
For once I can touch what my heart used to dream of
Long before I knew someone warm like you
Would make my dream come true
For once in my life I won't let sorrow hurt me
Not like it's hurt me before
For once I have something I know won't desert me
I'm not alone anymore
For once I can say "This is mine, you can't take it!"
Long as I know I have love I can make it
For once in my life I have someone who needs me
For once I can feel that somebody's heard my plea
For once in my life I have someone who needs me

 

[luv2nascar]

I have learned your love is infinite
especially after having 2nd dd
I wondered while pregnant can I possible love another child as much as I love 1st DD
it was just hormones talking - my love for my children is infinite

patience is a big thing I've learned
I always wonder what will my children think of me if I do or say that
I've learned deep respect and admiration for my own parents
I have learned appreciation for all who take on parenthood
It is singularly the most challenging thing you will ever do and the most rewarding too

 

[Mermaid02]

I'm a much nicer person than I used to be.

 

[poohbears5]

It really improved my patience level and taught me what real unconditional love is.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Ditto to all the good stuff. The only negative is I have a lot of trouble taking a nap!
Robin M.

 

[RitaZ.]

The only negative is I have a lot of trouble taking a nap!

Robin, I was actually going to say the same thing.