7 ways being a parent has changed me

As much as we might like to think that having children won’t change us at all, I really don’t think any of us parents are quite the same as we were pre-babies.

I’m definitely not the same person I was before my children came along, and here are 7 examples of the ways that being a parent has changed me.

I can survive on waaaay less sleep

I used to love my sleep.  Seriously, I would quite happily go to bed at 9pm and sleep till nearly 9 the next morning.  Now, well now if I get a solid, undisturbed 5 hours sleep I feel great!

My perception of a reasonable time to wake up has changed

After a run of 5am starts with little ones that are raring to go, 6am suddenly feels like  a really reasonable time to get up.  And 7am?  Oh such luxury!

My perception of time in general has changed

Child – “I’m hungry, can I have lunch?”
Me – “Of course, after all it is *looks at clock* 10.15?! Really?!  How is it only 10.15?!”

My tolerance for bodily fluids is way higher

I used to be one of those people who just couldn’t handle other people being sick.  The sound of someone being sick would make me instantly queasy.  My friend has never really forgiven me after I told her that I heard her being sick after a big night out, and turning my walkman up to drown out the sound rather than going to see if she needed anything.  Side note, I feel so old now talking about my walkman.

Now though, I’m so at ease with bodily fluids that the last time my daughter was sick (while sitting on my lap) it just didn’t faze me in the slightest!

I’m much more confident

I was always quite a shy person, who hated the idea of walking into a room full of strangers and was really awkward making small talk.

Since having children though, I’m much more relaxed.  Forcing myself out of my comfort zone and into mother and baby groups made a huge difference to me.  I learnt to relax and be much more comfortable with new people.

I swear more

Apologies to my parents, but I do swear a lot more these days.  For the most part though it’s under my breath if that makes it better!  A quiet, ‘for fuck’s sake’ when it’s only 7am and I’ve already tidied up the play dough twice, broken up a fight over who gets to sit where in the lounge, and am being asked to put yet another episode of Team Umizoomi on.

Tell me I’m not the only whispering-swearer out there!

How about you?  How has becoming a parent changed you?