Life after kids
I’m not really sure what I did before having children. I know I had lots of fun and did a bit of traveling, but looking back, it’s not clear to me anymore what I did with all my free time. I know I read a lot more and of course, slept a lot more, but I must have taken all that time for granted.
Children change everything – from the way we eat and the schedules of our day-to-day lives to our values and the goals we have for the future.
I also think kids can change us for the better. I’m not saying that everyone should have children, but speaking from my own experience, having kids has completely transformed my perspective on the world and has helped me become more compassionate and adaptable. It also has given me hope.
These were some of the thoughts that went through my head as I read the latest installment in the San Jose Mercury News’ “Life in a Year” series. For the past year, the newspaper has published a story each month about events “that make each life extraordinary.” This latest story has the headline, “Parenting – one of humankind’s most wonderful, exhausting, scary and multifaceted jobs” and chronicles the life of four families in the Silicon Valley.
I related to these families' struggle with the juggle of balancing home life, work and personal goals. But it also made me reflect on how I’ve changed ever since I gave birth to my son almost six years ago. Being a mom has taught me how to multitask in ways I never imagined. It has taught me endurance and strength that I’ve been able to apply to other parts of my life. From my kids, I’ve learned that it’s also not all about me – that I am responsible for my family and others in my community and that I cannot accomplish much alone. I think I'm also physically healthier because of my kids. Most of all, my children have given me a new lens to see all the beauty and complexity in this world. Like the Mercury News story suggests, parenting is incredibly challenging, but it can be rewarding and lots of fun.
How has becoming a parent changed you, your lifestyle and your priorities?