If you know the joys and struggles of being a parent, we’ve got a list down below that you might find painfully relatable. We took a trip to the Beyond the Bump subreddit and gathered some of their most spot-on memes about bringing a new member into the family. Enjoy scrolling through these pics, and keep reading to find a conversation with mother and author Sharon Tjaden-Glass! The majority of new parents lose between 1 to 4 hours of sleep per night during their child’s first year, which can take a huge toll on their mental and physical health. This can make moms and dads less alert, more irritable and even more prone to feelings of anxiety and depression. Not to mention the fact that taking care of a little one is a 24/7 job that leaves very little time for cooking, cleaning and of course, relaxation. “Relationships with other new parents provide you with much needed validation that what you’re going through is incredibly challenging and stressful,” she says. “The support and camaraderie that you build with other new parents can help relieve that stress and reassure you that new parenthood isn’t easy for anyone. Every new parent carries a different universe of struggles specific to their personalities, backgrounds, families, and cultures.” “When I had a baby and a preschooler, I had to pack and load 7 bags of stuff everyday for me and my kids. Diaper bag, two backpacks, three lunch bags, and my work bag. It took 2 hours of preparation and transportation before I ever turned on my computer,” Sharon explained. “And then there was more work at the end of the day. It’s so much.” If you’d like to hear more wise words from Sharon or you’re looking for an honest glimpse into pregnancy and new motherhood, be sure to check out her memoir, Becoming Mother: A Journey of Identity. Follow Bored Panda on Google News! Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda! Please use high-res photos without watermarks Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.
