11 times you weren't the mother you thought you'd be
You may have had ideas of Terry nappies and an watertight routine, but the reality's perhaps a little bit different...
Motherhood. It ain't exactly a walk in the park.
In those blissful pregnancy days, the weary-wise mums around you would peddle their tales of woe saying things like: 'It's not all babycinos and monkey music you know, it's hard work!' You'd smile and nod, give your burgeoning belly a little rub while peering at their unbrushed hair and wondering why on earth they'd let their nipper out in such a grubby coat.
A few months pass, out pops your baby and then one day you stop and look around you. The cat's licking the empty yogurt pot in the middle of the living room floor, it's 2pm and you're still in your onesie and Peppa Pig has been on repeat for four hours.
Here are 11 times motherhood didn't work out quite how you planned.
1. CBeebies is your very best friend in the whole wide world.
2. You look at this happening and think 'that's saved me a job'.
http://giphy.com/gifs/7OyFc6IqBk0eI
3. You use a dummy to keep them quiet (and have learnt how to keep it in place with a strategically-placed soft toy).
http://giphy.com/gifs/FnxHqXpcyYN32
4. You'll go to literally any length to get them to sleep.
5.You try not to laugh when they're having their latest tantrum (but you never quite manage it).
http://giphy.com/gifs/11yMJFAGjQpYPu
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
6. Terry nappies didn't happen.
http://giphy.com/gifs/hJjPWmwEJzybm
7. Nor did 'the routine'. They sleep wherever they like, whenever they like.
http://giphy.com/gifs/5KehGxFnEAmmk
8. Your evening routine, however, was established pretty early on.
http://giphy.com/gifs/qqnNNYkApFHmU
7. Along with the realisation that your beautiful home is now under the control of large, plastic, colourful items.http://giphy.com/gifs/fz0jSgOB5lxoA
8. Sometimes you find yourself wishing for just a minute's peace.
9. And from time to time, you lose your patience.
10. But they're still the happiest kids in the whole darn world.
http://giphy.com/gifs/DAY8s6GKRKoVO
And really, that's all that matters, isn't it?
Where to next?
Charlotte is founder and Editorial Director of The Forty-Five. The former NME Editor has written for goodto.com, The Face, Red and Marie Claire. With 15 years experience in journalism Charlotte has covered most bases when it comes to content people want to consume.
-
Baby name trends for 2025 leave us baffled (but secretly liking them - hi there Elio and Circe)
The coming year could see some seriously cool and also incredibly wacky baby names doing the rounds, according to experts in the field.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
6 early signs your child could have dyslexia, according to experts
Education experts have identified six early indicators of dyslexia, and strategies to support your child if they receive a diagnosis.
By Lucy Wigley Published
-
179 fantastic facts for kids to really blow their mind - from sharks and cats to space and tornadoes
Dazzle and amaze little ones with these mind-blowing facts… They’re so good they’ll leave grown-ups speechless too!
By Joanne Lewsley Last updated
-
28 Christmas traditions to try with your family this year
From secret Santa footprints to candy canes grown in a VERY special way, here are our favourite ways to add little extra magic to Christmas - from December 1st to the big day!
By Jessica Dady Published
-
1st birthday party ideas that are fun, easy and budget-friendly
It's your little one's 1st birthday but what do you do, here are some ideas on who to invite, where to go, what to bake and how you can enjoy your baby's big day
By Stephanie Lowe Last updated
-
Six of the best plants to grow with kids
Looking for the best plants to grow with kids? Sowing a seed in earth is like magic. And the reward of watching a seedling push its head into the sunlight is a thrill for all ages.
By Sharon Sweeney Published
-
How to make knitted bunting
This cute knitted bunting pattern is so easy to make the kids can help, and they can pick the colours, too!
By Gemma Chandler Published
-
Mother's Day crafts for kids
These Mother's Day cards, 'I owe you' vouchers and gorgeous body scrub jars are easy for kids to make and you'll love them, too
By Jennifer Shepherd Published
-
27 hilarious kids' drawings that WON'T be going on the fridge
Warning: may cause actual tears of laughter...
By GoodtoKnow Published
-
15 amazing 90s game shows that we all loved!
When you're at the checkout, and you hear the beep...
By Jessica Dady Published