Ten Things I Wish I Knew Before I Became a Parent

1. Love. The realization that you could love something more than you ever thought possible. And realizing that loving your child is the absolute best thing you have ever done. EVER.

2. Perspective. Nothing else really matters. The fact that all the other important stuff in your life just isn’t really all that important. It can wait. So don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s really all just “spilled milk.”

3. Gratitude. Be thankful for it all. The good stuff and all of the bad stuff too. The challenges. The tears. The frustration. Because at the end of the day that child you hold in your arms—it’s the best thing that's ever happened to you.

4. Eternity.  Don’t give away vital time for you and your child. All of those opportunities for precious memories will only come around once. Time is fleeting, but you get to keep the memories forever.

5. Space.  You need to make room for that baby. Physical room. But more importantly, emotional room.

6. Surprise.  Be prepared for the unexpected. Because it will happen. Time and time again.

7. Discovery.  You don’t need to mold your child into what you want. Instead, discover who they are. Let them be who they were destined to be.

8. Time.  Make sure to make time for yourself. Take a break. Parenting can be exhausting. So make sure to build in down time for yourself—whether it’s taking a nap, a walk, or just planning a weekly dinner out (without your child!).

9. Schedules. Make a schedule. Make a schedule. Make a schedule.

10. Trust.  Trust your gut. Everyone will have an opinion about parenting. Stay off Google and trust who you are —as a person and as a parent.

Watch it and enjoy! If parenting fills you with passion like it does all of us at Jai, check out the opportunity of becoming a parenting coach and joining more than 2500 coaches worldwide!