How motherhood can change a person

Becoming a mother is a big step in your life. Not only do you have a new bundle of joy; you also will have plenty of new experiences, responsibilities, joys, and challenges. Motherhood is an event that will shape the person you are going to become, and change you in ways that you never would have imagined. If you are about to have a child, or have a young one, you’re probably wondering how motherhood can possibly change you. While each mother is different and your experiences definitely contribute to the ways motherhood can change you, here are a few ways you can expect the maternal instinct to shape you as a person.

You’ll anticipate situations in ways you never did before

Pre-baby, you would have looked at the kitchen bench and shrugged off the utensils lying about; after you have a child, however, you’ll begin to notice that the forks could be dangerous, or that the chopping board should always be put away – just in case. When you become a mother, you are constantly going to think about the safety of your child, and this can mean seeing concerns or danger in situations that you would have otherwise been oblivious to. It doesn’t matter if it’s the report on TV about a new virus that’s spreading, or a newspaper article about parenting and child custody – chances are, after you have a child you’ll think of everything in terms of your little one.

You’ll understand and appreciate your own parents more

Remember when you were younger, and you wanted to do something that your parents refused to let you do? Chances are, they would always justify their decision with “you’ll understand when you’re older” or “one day, when you have kids of your own, you’ll see”. Unfortunately, they were right – motherhood is a big eye-opener when it comes to your behavior, and the behavior of others around you. After you realize how challenging and rewarding it is to raise a child, you’ll have a newfound respect and appreciation for everything your parents went through while they were raising you into the wonderful adult that you are.

You’ll love someone more than you ever knew possible

There is no bond in the world stronger than the one between a mother and her baby. It doesn’t matter if your baby is 8, 18, or 28, – you will still always think about them, worry about them, miss them, and love them. From the minute you hold your baby in your arms for the first time, to your child’s first birthday, first steps, or first words, you will find something magical in every moment you spend with your child. And even when they’re a teenager, or they have left the house to go to college, you will find that there is a special place in your heart just for them. One of the most important and valuable ways motherhood can change a person is this: you’ll finally understand what it means to truly love someone unconditionally.

Andie Lane is a mother who has grown and changed so much since she had her first child three years ago. She’s currently pregnant with her second child, and is looking forward to all the new joys, adventures, and challenges that they will bring to her life.