10 Motherhood Lessons Learned As A Mom of Three
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Becoming a mom comes with a whole lot of motherhood lessons. Some of which really suck and others that are well appreciated.
I became a first time mom when I was 27 years old, then had my middle baby at 29, and third at almost 30. Yes, I had them all back-to-back-to-back and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Being a mother has taught me several motherhood lessons that I otherwise would not have learned. I say motherhood instead of life lessons because it’s motherhood that taught me what I’m about to share with you below.
10 Motherhood Lessons
When you become a mom, it’s like your life prior to having a baby becomes a distant memory. You don’t understand how you ever lived without your sweet baby or babies.
1. You See The World Through A Different Lens
I’m not even joking.
It’s like God gave us a new pair of eyeballs the moment we gave birth and said voila. Or it’s like he removed our blinders and we see the world so differently.
You become more hyperaware of your surroundings, people in your life, and things that are actually going on in the world.
I see a lot of news on TikTok and Facebook pertaining to moms and their children that makes me even more cautious about where I take my kids, what time of day I’m out with them, and who I allow around my babies without my supervision.
2. .Your Priorities Shift Becoming A Mom
One day you find yourself wondering how you got in your own bed on a Sunday morning (not my brightest days) and the next moment, you’re in bed snuggled up with your baby at 7pm on a Saturday night.
I’m not saying that moms don’t deserve a night out once in a while because we absolutely do. But after a long day of mothering, all you want to do is be in bed as early as you possibly can.
Priorities start to shift in all aspects of your life. Things that were once important to you are now of zero to little importance.
I can name some of the more obvious things like getting your hair and nails done regularly. Waking up to do your hair and makeup before leaving the house. Let alone being able to shower daily with a new baby.
Some of these things are not a new mom’s top priority. And gradually we work these things into our lives again because I believe it’s so important for us moms to not get lost in our new identity as being a mom.
But when the time does come when you’re able to get all dolled up, get your hair and nails done, and actually get more than 4 hours of sleep, it makes you appreciate it so much more.
3. You Make New Friends And Lose Friends
Making and losing friends is a part of life. It’s a part of life that directly affects us, our mood, and the energy that surrounds us.
We have friends who are here to stay.
The ones that are graciously patient, compassionate, and understanding. The type of friends that you can go days, weeks, and even months without talking to and pick up where you left off. The low maintenance friends who are always there without an ounce of judgement.
Always make friends that make your life better and endlessly supports and encourages you.
One of my personal and biggest motherhood lessons was learning to set boundaries. And being okay with letting seasonal friends go.
Because let’s be honest. Losing a friend is like going through a breakup. But you don’t have room for people who are not going to be a positive light in your life. Because then it can affect your mood, the way you parent, and the energy in your house.
4. Life Feels Extra Fast Paced
I swear the years go faster each year. And I swear I just had my first baby like yesterday. Like how is she already about to be 4 years old? *sobbing
But on a serious note. Time literally flies. So don’t sleep on number 4 of 10 motherhood lessons.
Don’t let time take control over your life. Slow down, photograph everything, every moment, every detail. Take lots of videos, write in your baby books, start a diary.
Savor the moment.
5. Your Babies Are Human Too
Another huge motherhood lesson is acknowledging that your children are human too.
I read this quote on Instagram once and it has always stuck with me. And I hope it sticks with you as well.
“I think sometimes we forget that children are just small people, trying to figure out the world. They are allowed to have their feelings, they are allowed to not like some things, and it’s okay if they lose their shit sometimes…We need to stop expecting children to handle all of their emotions, when most of us adults struggle to handle all of ours.”
It’s been an important lesson for me to allow my babies to express what they’re feeling at each stages of their life (baby, toddler) and making sure that I am their safe place. To validate their feelings and encourage them constantly.
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6. Your Children Are An Extension Of Your Mind Body And Soul
Babies need their moms. Children need their moms. Adolescents need their moms. Teenagers need their moms.
Every decision you make big or small can and will affect your children. How you treat them, talk to them, and nourish them will affect them for the rest of their lives and all throughout their adulthood.
When we bring babies into this world, it doesn’t stop at us. We have to think about our kids and their well-being.
This brings to my next motherhood lesson.
7. Self-Care Is Critical
If I’m not taking care of myself, then how can I expect to give my children 100% of me.
Self-care is so important for every mom. We can’t pour from an empty cup. I didn’t completely understand this until my husband was gone for training (army life woohoo) and I had a 2 year old, a 5 month old preemie, and also pregnant with my third trying to juggle everything along with my photography business.
I’ve had to learn that the hard way and still continuing to learn to make sure to take care of myself. I suffered badly from postpartum depression and the root of the problem was neglecting my own needs as a person and individual.
I also had to learn that going to the gym to exercise wasn’t selfish. Hanging out with my girl friends didn’t mean I didn’t love my kids.
In order for us moms to meet our children’s emotional needs, we too need to take care of our emotional needs. Get regular sleep, have other human interaction besides the ones under the safe roof, go workout, take the time to fill your cup up from time to time.
8. It’s Not About Money Or Material Things
Being a mom has taught me that I can buy my kids everything they want but being present and giving them my undivided attention is the best gift you can give to your kids.
Spending quality time with your children is priceless. You can’t buy time so don’t let each moment pass you by.
Your kids aren’t going to remember what you bought them that one birthday or Christmas. But they will remember the memories you made with them, the time you spent with them, and things you did together as a family.
9. Self-Reflection Is Key To Avoid Childhood Trauma
Childhood trauma is a very real thing. And if you’ve experienced childhood trauma, you should especially want to avoid causing generational childhood trauma.
As someone who has experienced trauma during my childhood and teenage years, I’ve had to self-reflect on numerous occasions. Like the tone of my voice when I’m talking to my 3 year old, what I’m saying to her and how that can affect the way she communicates, and so much more.
I carry a lot of guilt when I look back and realize I should have handled a situation differently or spoke to my babies with a calmer tone of voice.
According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, more than two thirds of children reported at least 1 traumatic event by age 16.
Childhood trauma can be avoided and minimized if we can take a moment to self-reflect and possibly even go to therapy to avoid generational trauma.
10. Being A Mom Is The Greatest Blessing
There’s nothing in this world that I can name that’s greater than being a mom.
I have never felt more fullness in my heart than when all 3 of my babies were together, interacting with one another, and to experience being a mother to God’s greatest gifts to me.
Your children are irreplaceable and the time you spend with them, raising them to be kind human beings, is absolutely priceless.
In Conclusion
I hope my motherhood lessons were relatable for you and you were able to get something out of this blog post!