I'd prefer to say that motherhood was more of a canyon than a trench. A lot of the time, with an infant, you can't see out the other side of the struggle. It can be the most physically demanding time, for sure. Then comes the toddler time, which has a whole new set of challenges. Then proper childhood and lastly the horror known as adolescence.
I have always said that proper parenting is a lot like proper leadership: do the best preparation, remove obstacles when you can ahead of time, provide the tools and training needed for success and then get the hell out of the way.
I was reminded recently of a teen memory: I'd been out having fun and I was supposed to call home, but I forgot. Then I remembered and called my mum. "Oh, I am so glad you called!" she said, "I was afraid the white slavers had gotten you. Of course, I wasn't terribly worried. I knew they wouldn't want to keep you."
I feel like the trench is less deep the second time! It will be a different trench though. My oldest was a pretty chill baby and toddler but still co-sleeps (he's 5) and my youngest sleeps easily in his crib but in most other ways he's a menace! Big 2nd child energy - constantly climbing things, breaking things, grubbing up surfaces and a big screamer when things don't go his way. A very cute menace, but a menace! Still, started to feel more like myself at the 1.25 year mark instead of the 3 year mark this time.
I'd prefer to say that motherhood was more of a canyon than a trench. A lot of the time, with an infant, you can't see out the other side of the struggle. It can be the most physically demanding time, for sure. Then comes the toddler time, which has a whole new set of challenges. Then proper childhood and lastly the horror known as adolescence.
I have always said that proper parenting is a lot like proper leadership: do the best preparation, remove obstacles when you can ahead of time, provide the tools and training needed for success and then get the hell out of the way.
I was reminded recently of a teen memory: I'd been out having fun and I was supposed to call home, but I forgot. Then I remembered and called my mum. "Oh, I am so glad you called!" she said, "I was afraid the white slavers had gotten you. Of course, I wasn't terribly worried. I knew they wouldn't want to keep you."
You even sound cheerful in writing! :)
I feel like the trench is less deep the second time! It will be a different trench though. My oldest was a pretty chill baby and toddler but still co-sleeps (he's 5) and my youngest sleeps easily in his crib but in most other ways he's a menace! Big 2nd child energy - constantly climbing things, breaking things, grubbing up surfaces and a big screamer when things don't go his way. A very cute menace, but a menace! Still, started to feel more like myself at the 1.25 year mark instead of the 3 year mark this time.