Things they don't tell you before you have children

No matter how prepared you think you are before having kids, there is always something about your life post baby that you didn’t expect. These are the things they don’t tell you before you have children.  We asked some of our friends and fellow businesses what they wish they had known before they started a family.

Things they don’t tell you before you have children

Stacy from Art out loud said ‘I was told to make the most of my freedom to be spontaneous – as nothing would ever go unplanned again, having a child can change the face of many of your relationships (try to prioritise time to nurture all others whom you hold dear) and time, well – may you be highly organised or cope with being late to almost everything (allow at least an hour to leave the house).’ www.artoutloudnz.co.nz

Louise from Scamps Boutique‘s comment was short and to the point, and I have to say I wholeheartedly agree: ‘They grow up far too fast.’

As a Mum of four, I can’t really agree with Rachael from The Pressie Box‘s first comment, but her second one I’d go along with wholeheartedly. ‘Stop at ONE! hahaha No seriously … As a mother always trust your gut instinct.’

Sian from Cobalt Heights tells us ‘That you will never leave the house 100% carefree ever again – There will always be something you have forgotten (mostly nappies or wipes, occasionally the child itself). Whilst you are pregnant make the most of slamming doors, doing the groceries by yourself and eating your food while its hot. Despite all of this having children is the most amazing feeling ever, they are worth every ounce of trouble they bring.’

Jackie from 2cute and baby life magazine comments ‘Before I had my sons, I wish that I was told that being a parent is the hardest but most rewarding job in the world. I also wish that I knew more about Antenatal and Post Natal Depression so that I could have recognised it sooner and got better faster.’

Kelly from Ecobots remembers that ‘I was really shocked when some of my hair started falling out about five months after giving birth, I wish someone had warned me about that.’

Being prepared

Becoming a parent for the first time is a great experience, but it does mean some pretty big changes. No matter how prepared you think you are, you can’t expect to know exactly how you’ll feel or how things will be.  Enjoy being a new parent, even when you come across some of the things you weren’t expecting, the things they don’t tell you before you have children.