10 Reminders to Make Parenthood a Little Easier

Even though we’ve only been parents for five years, it’s hard to remember certain parts of our life before our kids came into the picture. We all have an idea of what parenthood might look like, and then when it finally gets here, it’s almost never how we pictured it to be (for better and for worse).

Parenthood is wonderful, difficult, amazing, frustrating, extraordinary, and a million other adjectives that all add up to the best thing that’s ever happened to us. Still, there are days when it gets really hard and I have to remind myself that those days are just as important as the good ones. It’s all part of the ride.

Below are 10 reminders we’ve learned over the years that help us take parenthood in one day at a time and give it a little perspective, and maybe they’ll help you, too:

Remember, it’s temporary. They’re only this little for a short while, even though it might feel endless in the moment. Try to savor the cuddles, the bedtime stories, the tiny voices saying “I love you,” those precious little things that pass so quickly.

Create small rituals. Bedtime stories, Sunday pancakes, or a silly secret handshake- tiny rituals that make everyday moments feel special can be a refuge when everything else feels chaotic.

Lower your bar (then lower it again). Seriously. Let go of the idea that every meal has to be Pinterest-worthy or that every family outing will go smoothly. A little imperfection keeps things real, and it keeps you sane.

Don’t skip “me-time.” Prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish. A quiet cup of coffee before the house wakes up, a walk around the block, or even five minutes of peace can recharge you in ways that spill over to everyone else. You deserve it.

Ask for help and accept it. Parenting wasn’t meant to be a solo mission. Call in friends, family, babysitters- even if it’s just so you can run errands or take a nap. Letting others help brings in love and makes the journey lighter.

Say “yes” to the mess. Embrace the spills, sticky fingers, and crayon on the wall (okay, maybe not the wall). Letting go of a spotless home in favor of creative, messy moments can be liberating. A little chaos now makes for great memories later.

Find joy in small moments. Sometimes, the best parts of parenting aren’t the big events but the little things: the unexpected giggle, the way they mispronounce “spaghetti,” or the soft feel of their hair against your cheek at bedtime.

Remember: perfect parenting doesn’t exist. Every family is different, and there’s no single “right” way. Trust your instincts, know that you’re doing your best, and remember that love matters more than perfection.

Carve out time for your partner. It’s easy to get lost in parenting, but those moments alone with your partner, even just a quick chat after bedtime or a movie on the couch, keep you both grounded and connected.

Be gentle with yourself. Parenting is hard, beautiful, exhausting, and rewarding. There will be days when you feel like you nailed it and days when you don’t. Through it all, remember: you’re human, and you’re enough.