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Before her daughter was born, a mother imagined she’d be totally laid-back about screen time. “I actually thought I’d be all about it,” she admits. Screens felt like a modern solution for keeping little ones entertained. But now? Her approach couldn’t be more different. “My daughter doesn’t even face a screen if I can help it,” she explains.
Of course, there are exceptions—like when her daughter glances at her phone while she’s busy—but for the most part, their home is screen-free. It’s a decision she didn’t see coming but feels right for her family.
Not everyone has the same opportunity to be screen-free, as @the_thriftylawyer shared in the comments: “I want to be screen-free, but my family doesn’t allow that, and they’re helping me right now. It hurts.” These are the challenges many parents face, balancing their ideals with the realities of their support systems. Still, her story is a reminder that every family’s journey looks different, and what works for one may not work for another.
Before her daughter arrived, she thought she’d be the mum who dressed her baby in adorable, picture-perfect outfits every day. But once she started buying clothes for her growing little one, she realises just how impractical that was. “It feels like such a waste of money when she can only wear them for a few months,” she says with a smile.
Now, her daughter spends most days in onesies—comfortable, easy, and cute in their own right. “I’ll get her something nice if we’re visiting her grandparents or for a special occasion,” she explains, “but otherwise, it’s all about practicality.”
It’s a sentiment many parents can relate to. When the reality of parenting sets in, you quickly learn to prioritise what really matters—comfort, ease, and saving your energy for the things that truly count.
Mealtime was another area where her expectations were completely turned on their head. Before her daughter started solids, she pictured herself making elaborate meals for her baby—tiny pancakes for breakfast, perhaps, or perfectly balanced toddler platters. But when the time came, she found herself leaning into baby-led weaning (BLW).
Now, instead of crafting intricate meals, she hands her daughter whole fruits—like a strawberry or an apple with a bite taken out of it—and lets her explore at her own pace. “Why does my baby need mini pancakes for breakfast?” she laughs, embracing the simplicity of her approach.
This resonates deeply with parents like @aboveandbeyond, who commented, “I seriously preach about BLW. It was so easy—scary, but easy. And now my toddler eats EVERYTHING with confidence. Not picky at all.” While BLW isn’t for everyone, it can encourage adventurous eating and give babies the confidence to explore new foods.
Of course, she acknowledges that this might change as her daughter grows. “She’s not even six months yet, so who knows? But for now, this works for us.”
Before she became a mum, she imagined herself sticking to a strict daily schedule—naps, meals, and activities all planned out to the minute. But when her daughter arrived, she quickly realised how unrealistic that was.
Now, she follows a more flexible routine. Her daughter naps every two to two-and-a-half hours, but if one nap is only 30 minutes, that’s okay. “She’ll nap again later,” she says. This relaxed approach has allowed her to let go of unnecessary stress and focus on the bigger picture.
One commenter perfectly captured this mindset: “Going with the flow when they’re babies is good, but things are always changing.” Flexibility is key, especially in those early months when every day can feel like a new adventure.
One of the biggest surprises in her journey has been her changing views on education. Before becoming a mum, she worked as a preschool teacher and loved the experience. Naturally, she assumed she’d send her daughter to daycare as soon as she turned three. But now? She’s considering homeschooling—a decision she never thought she’d make.
“It’s funny how your real feelings come out once your child is here,” she reflects. Homeschooling, once unimaginable, now feels like a possibility she’s open to exploring. It’s a testament to how motherhood can shift your priorities and open your mind to new paths.
What stands out most in her story is her openness to change. Parenthood has a way of reshaping your perspective, and this mum’s journey is a powerful example of how embracing the unexpected can lead to growth.
She thought she’d be a certain kind of mum—a screen-friendly, schedule-following, daycare-advocating parent. But once her daughter arrived, she discovered a new side of herself. And instead of resisting these changes, she leaned into them, trusting her instincts and focusing on what works for her family.
Her story is a reminder that it’s okay to change your mind, to let go of expectations, and to find joy in the parenting path that feels right for you. As one commenter put it, “Things change when babies get bigger. It’s always evolving.”
Every parenting journey is unique, shaped by the little decisions you make each day. Whether it’s choosing baby-led weaning, embracing a screen-free home, or rethinking your views on education, what matters most is finding what works for your family.
This mum’s story isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present, flexible, and open to change. It’s a reminder that parenting isn’t about sticking to a script. It’s about writing your own story, one unexpected chapter at a time.
© Mindsmaking 2024
