Before kids, many future parents have a vision of what kind of parent they’ll be—and what kind they definitely won’t be. You watch meltdowns in the grocery store and vow, “Not my child.” You hear about screen time limits being tossed out the window and swear you’ll stand your ground. But the reality of parenting has a funny way of humbling even the most well-intentioned rule-makers. Once you’re in the thick of sleep deprivation, tantrums, and just trying to keep a tiny human alive, those promises start to wobble. Here are nine things you’ll swear you’ll never do as a parent—until you have kids of your own.
1. Use Screen Time as a Babysitter
Pre-parent you had strict limits planned: no screens until age two, and even then, only educational content. Then life happened, and suddenly that 20-minute cartoon is the only reason you’re able to shower or make dinner. Sometimes, screens are survival tools, not parenting failures. A show or a tablet can buy just enough time to get through a hard moment. It’s okay—it doesn’t define your parenting, it just proves you’re human.
2. Bribe With Snacks or Candy
You imagined saying, “Because I said so” and having your child magically listen. But when you’re running late and your toddler won’t put on their shoes, that fruit snack bribe suddenly feels genius. Bribes get a bad rap, but in the trenches, they’re often strategic tools. A small treat in exchange for cooperation can keep the peace when it matters most. Every parent has had that “I’ll give you a cookie if…” moment—no shame.
3. Let the Car Become a Disaster Zone
You once judged the backseat chaos in other people’s cars, vowing yours would stay pristine. Fast forward to today, and your car is a museum of crumbs, sippy cups, and forgotten toys. It turns out kids are natural clutter creators, and keeping up with it is a full-time job. A clean car becomes a someday goal, not a daily expectation. The mess is just proof your vehicle is a space where life happens.
4. Say “Because I Said So”
You promised to always explain, reason, and teach. Then you hit the tenth “why” in five minutes and your brain short-circuits. “Because I said so” is the parenting version of a white flag—it’s shorthand for “I’m out of explanations.” It doesn’t mean you don’t care, it means you’ve hit your limit. And sometimes, that’s okay.
5. Give in to the Tantrum
You swore you’d hold firm when it came to tantrums, never giving in to unreasonable demands. But there’s nothing like a full-blown screamfest in the middle of Target to make your resolve crumble. Sometimes, it’s easier to say yes than to suffer a public meltdown. That doesn’t make you weak—it makes you a parent managing a moment. Balance and boundaries can wait for a calmer place.
6. Use the Word “Potty” in Public Conversations
Before parenthood, the word “potty” was cringe-inducing, especially in public. Now, you find yourself discussing bowel movements and bathroom wins like it’s the weather. The taboo vanishes when you’re knee-deep in potty training and just proud your kid didn’t have an accident. What was once awkward becomes normal, even brag-worthy. It’s amazing what you’ll say when you’re sleep-deprived and celebrating small wins.
7. Let Your Kid Wear Ridiculous Outfits in Public
You once scoffed at toddlers in princess gowns and rain boots at the grocery store. But then your child falls in love with a dinosaur costume or a tutu and refuses to wear anything else. Suddenly, picking your battles means letting your kid show up to brunch dressed like a superhero. You realize that independence and creativity matter more than matching socks. And honestly? Their confidence makes it work.
8. Whisper-Shout at Your Kid in Public
You imagined parenting with a calm, cool tone—never raising your voice or showing frustration. Then your child throws a pack of gum across the checkout aisle, and you suddenly master the art of the whisper-shout. It’s that sharp, teeth-clenched whisper that means business without drawing a crowd. Is it elegant? No. Is it effective? Sometimes. Either way, it becomes a staple in your parenting toolkit.
9. Let Your Kid Climb Into Your Bed Every Night
You were set on boundaries—your bed would be your sanctuary. Then came the bad dreams, growth spurts, and midnight wake-ups. Now there’s a tiny foot in your back and a stuffed animal sharing your pillow. Co-sleeping may not have been the plan, but sometimes the comfort matters more than the schedule. You’ll get your bed back someday—but for now, there’s warmth in the chaos.
Parenthood Will Change You—and That’s Okay
Every parent starts with ideals, but real-life parenting is messy, unpredictable, and filled with humbling moments. The things you’ll swear you’ll never do as a parent often become the tools you use to survive and connect. Shifting priorities doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it means you’ve adapted. So laugh at the plans that went out the window and embrace the perfectly imperfect path you’re on.
What’s something you said you’d never do as a parent—until you did? Share your funniest or most surprising parenting plot twist in the comments!
Read More:
Raising Kind Kids in a Cruel World: 9 Devastatingly Powerful Ways That Will Change Your Perspective
5 Effective Strategies to Get Your Kids to Listen Without Yelling
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