From “Never” to “Whatever Works”: The Reality of Parenting vs. Our Pre-Kid Ideals

Before becoming parents, many of us have a clear vision of the kind of mom or dad we’ll be. Our kids won’t watch much TV. They’ll always eat healthy food. We’ll stay patient, structured, and calm. And then real life with a baby begins. Suddenly you’re sleep deprived, juggling work, trying to keep the house functioning, and raising a tiny human with very strong opinions about everything. The things we once said we would never do sometimes become the tools that help us get through the day. In t...