Nothing changes your viewpoint on life quicker than becoming a parent.
Whether it’s the diapers, the screaming, the exhaustion from reading a book for the 100th time, or the dark ages (your child is now a teenager), something will push you over the edge. Something will make you remember a time when you thought your parents were the absolute worst when in reality, it was probably you that caused the drama.
This is the moment you pick up the phone and utter the words “Oh my god, mom(or dad). I am so sorry for everything I ever did to you as a kid.”.
When you are going to be a parent for the first time, everyone is so happy for you. They say things like “You’ll never be happier,” or “This will be the greatest time of your life,” or “You guys are going to be the greatest parents ever.”
As soon as that child is yours forever things change. Your friends might as well throw you a party with the quote “welcome to hell!” hanging over the bobbing for apples bucket, filled with the tears of parents before you.
Soon you’ll be calling your parents and apologizing all the time.
For my husband and I, “the moment came” when our cute little kiddo changed into a dark, depressed ball of anger, fury, and sadness(all in one). That’s right; she is now embracing the reigns of being a teenager.
Being a parent of a teen is no joke people.
As an adult and parent, I believe that every parent does the best that they can for their children. As an adult and parent, I call my mom on the daily to say I’m sorry. It doesn’t even matter what I’m sorry for or what has just happened. Mom(or dad), is enjoying every call with a smirk on their face and laughter in their bellies.
I can’t wait for the phone call I’ll get 16 years from now. “Mom, I am so sorry for everything I ever said or ever did when I was a kid.”
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This Post is republished on Medium.
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Photo credit: iStock