3. You become more patient
There is nothing that my son detests more than being strapped in his car seat. I’m the lucky one who gets to see his tear-stained face up close, and experience his deafening wails of protest, as I sit beside him at the back seat of our SUV.
Perhaps it’s motion sickness, or maybe he just doesn’t want the feeling of being constrained. I’ve tried several tricks – playing his favourite songs on the car radio; letting him have his favourite toys; giving him a bottle, teether or a dummy; letting him suck my finger; installing a mirror on the headboard (his car seat is rear-facing); and as a last resort, letting him watch videos of The Minions on my iPhone. All these would work for a while, then he would start to fidget and utter some baby talk as if trying to say that he is getting uncomfortable. This would then build up to a soft cry, which will quickly escalate to the point-of-no-return, legitimate ear-splitting wails. Feeling defeated, I would just let him be.
And sometimes, that’s really all you can do given the laws of the land where you have to strap your baby in a car seat. Through experiences like this, you build up character and become more patient.
4. You become more creative
Every child is an artist, the problem is staying an artist when you grow up – Pablo Picasso
The truth is, kids don’t need a lot of toys. Some of the best playrooms are empty spaces where you can allow your imagination and theirs soar.
Also, this is not just about doing Pinterest-worthy crafts. Not everyone is gifted in that way. Your talents may lie within the kitchen – hiding vegetables in chicken nuggets to get your fussy eater to eat; or transforming leftover meat stew from dinner to a sandwich your kids will gobble for lunch.
5. You love like you’ve never loved before
As cheesy as it sounds, this is actually true. When you hold that baby in your arms for the first time, you’ll see his wrinkled little face and be mesmerized as he ever so gently opens his eyes. You’ll then realise that you’ll do anything and everything it takes to keep your baby safe and sound. Now that there’s an actual little human being counting on you for his very survival, impossible things don’t seem that daunting anymore. There is no greater warrior than a mother protecting her little one.
These are just a few of the ways motherhood changes you for the better. Changing for the better does not mean becoming perfect – that’s an illusion. Sometimes you will fail, but even on your darkest days, your children are the one thing that can put a light back into your world.
Korinna is the founder of My Sensitive Baby, an online directory of ethical businesses that make natural & organic products that are safe and gentle on your baby’s sensitive skin.
