https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:35:07 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2043109 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 07:01:40 +0000 illumina 2043109@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Grace: it's like indoor play...this is our local one:<br /> <a href="http://www.123jump.co.uk/" rel="nofollow">http://www.123jump.co.uk/</a></p> <p>"Jump caters for children ages 0 - 12 with everything from ball pits, inflatables, indoor football pitchs, climbing frames, extensive toddler zones and so much more." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2042833 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 20:53:17 +0000 Mrs. Chocolate 2042833@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am not a newborn person. I always thought Id love babies but turns out the breastfeeding and no sleep thing gets me more than I knew. I truly admit I like my kids the most from about a year til 2 1/2 the most. Its just easier. They arent as fragile. sleep better, and are more fun and curious with their own personalities. They still need me but they dont need me need me either so I can get some space. I love the age my daughter is at right now, 19 months, and its a pleasure every day. I think back and lament how I never enjoyed her or her brothers early stages, and I did at some point Im sure, but as an overall that first year is not my favorite. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2042813 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 20:42:24 +0000 Grace 2042813@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: @illumina: What is soft play? </p> <p>And for what it's worth, I haven't taken LO to the park since October or November. Too dang cold! And obviously, since I don't know what it is, we don't do softplay either. :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2042794 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 20:24:50 +0000 daniellemybelle 2042794@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So there's a lot of days that I don't enjoy. There are little moments of joy every day, but not every day is truly joyful. I think that's just part of the gig.</p> <p>But it gets better and better every day. When I look back at a year ago, when my daughter was 3 months, I was miserable a lot of the time. I definitely enjoy parenting so, so much more now.</p> <p>While the change was incremental, I do agree that around 16 weeks was a turning point for us, and things got really good at about 6 months.</p> <p>Be gentle with yourself - your life has changed SO much and your LO can't really reciprocate your feelings of love yet. I think more than better sleep and easier feeding and all that, what has helped me is 1) time, as in I have forgotten my childless life haha, and 2) my daughter can interact and reciprocate and love on me and that is a really rewarding experience.</p> <p>&lt;3 &lt;3 &lt;3 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2042717 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 19:34:13 +0000 Lilbear 2042717@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I actually really enjoyed every stage so far, including the newborn stage. As your LO gets older, they will get continuously more interactive, which is both hilarious and fun, so it will get better for you with time. </p> <p>I'm not familiar with your back story, but do you think you might need more breaks from being the 24/7 caretaker? I found in the beginning that night time "shift work" with my DH was key. I would go to bed at 8pm and he was in charge until 1am. Then my "shift" was from 1-6 am. It guaranteed that we both got 5 hour stretches of sleep at night, which made us both much more functional during the day. We would also take turns with 1 hour naps in the afternoon too (if needed). I hope things get easier for you soon! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2042535 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 17:42:52 +0000 Cherrybee 2042535@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@illumina: You gotta remember I WOH full time so the only time I ever hit the soft play is during the weekend madness! Its hell on earth! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2042527 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 17:39:42 +0000 illumina 2042527@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: I know. I think I'm just lazy or something or spend too much time dwelling on the negatives because I know I would much rather be doing this than being back at work. The week is fine, because this is my job y'know and I can deal with her fine (I actually quite like soft play!) but at the weekends I really wish things were more like they used to be, more relaxed and carefree! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2042522 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 17:35:05 +0000 Cherrybee 2042522@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@illumina: Thank you for saying that! :heart: I've obsessed about this thread all day, wondering if its actually just me.... Like, maybe, I have an impaired ability to love or something! Its hard bloody work! I hate the park because its cold, I hate soft play because its full of children and trying to do anything else results in a grotty toddler! How does anyone ENJOY that??! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2042189 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 14:10:33 +0000 MrsKoala 2042189@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have days where I love it and days where I want to run away. It does in some ways get better and in others, it gets harder. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2042174 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 14:02:19 +0000 NurseDMB 2042174@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yoursilverlining: Ditto to this exactly. </p> <p>This is a hard question for me to answer because I struggled with post partum anxiety and OCD most of my son's first year. He was always a pretty easy newborn - slept well, didn't cry much unless he was hungry, etc. </p> <p>But I've also never been a huge "baby" person. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed being a mom the first year but I absolutely loooove being a mom now that my son is a toddler (18 months) it's hard in a different way, but they're so much fun once they start to get their own personality and become more interactive. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2042129 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 13:42:12 +0000 littlejoy 2042129@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it's totally ok to separate love from fun, and that's what I assume you're doing? I loved my baby from the moment I saw her (well, before, but you know what I mean). </p> <p>And, while I have very fond memories of the early days, it was not fun. I struggled with breastfeeding (hardcore struggles for 12 weeks) the entire time, and it wasn't fun. It wasn't fun to wonder why my baby wouldn't sleep. It wasn't fun not being able to travel or go out as much as we wanted (because then, everything centers around diapers and bottles and feedings and naps). The scary thing (because we do want another baby) is that our first was soooo easy. The logistics were the nightmare, and I have so much empathy for moms and dads with not-so-easy babies. </p> <p>I'd say now that we are at a year, things are awesome!!! We can go out and do so many things. If she skips a nap, it's no big deal. She's funny, and developing a strong personality. It's FUN! </p> <p>Having a supportive partner or a close friend (even a counselor) is imperative. You've gotta talk it out. Your feelings are normal and valid ... You are strong, and don't worry, you'll get there!! </p> <p>I also remember telling people that 6 months was a really fun age, so you don't have too long! ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2041608 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 08:25:19 +0000 illumina 2041608@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Like others have commented, it got so much better around 3 months when we sleep trained, and better again at 6 months when she could sit up and play a little...and every month after that really.</p> <p>BUT, I'm with @cherrybee: in that I wouldn't say I "enjoy" being a parent yet. Maybe my expectations are all out, I don't know. I definitely have a lot of fun with LO and I wouldn't change anything for the World, but "enjoy"? not yet...maybe when the endless lie ins, ability to do things on a whim etc. are so far gone I've forgotten what they feel like, I'll start enjoying it more! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2041603 Tue, 27 Jan 2015 08:18:02 +0000 Meridian 2041603@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@soyjoy222: I completely understand when you say, "panic... when I realize this is my life right now." It sounds terrible, but it's true, and I hope it gets better for you soon, too!</p> <p>@gingerbebe: wow, that sounds truly intense and so incredibly hard! Kudos to you for making it to the other side of that! I don't have it that hard (knock on wood), and can't imagine that level of stress! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2041479 Mon, 26 Jan 2015 23:34:15 +0000 gingerbebe 2041479@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm just now starting to enjoy parenting - DS is just shy of 5 months . DS is STTN, actually HAPPY and LAUGHING, and generally just really cute these days.</p> <p>The first 11 weeks of his life were a hot mess. He never stopped crying (colic, reflux, and a million other reasons), he has the loudest, ear piercing cry, and he never slept. He was also a lazy sleepy nurser who never got past that point (even now when he nurses he zonks out immediately) so he was trying to eat around the clock every 20 minutes but couldn't stay awake for more than 5 minutes before falling asleep. </p> <p>To say I was miserable is an understatement. I definitely scared a lot of childless friends. I even told them "get a dog instead." I had a nervous breakdown when DS went TEN DAYS without sleeping more than 20-30 minutes at a time. The rest of the time he just screamed and screamed. The pediatrician and my OB/GYN were beside themselves because DS and I were both losing it. </p> <p>Things got a lot better after 11 weeks, but I had so much shell shock from the previous 10 that I was on edge for the next month even though DS wasn't that bad. I had anxiety attacks about going places because he screams SO LOUD and the only way we could keep him from being a nightmare was to keep a strict schedule, so the holidays were nerve-wracking.</p> <p>But yeah, now its fun. We finally figured out what works for us (scheduling, early sleep training, EPing, getting help). DS is sleeping through the night, we got his reflux medication adjusted correctly, and we're just starting solids. He babbles and is happy when he wakes up and just so much more interactive. Its so nice just to have him sit with us in his high chair when we eat dinner. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2041389 Mon, 26 Jan 2015 22:16:40 +0000 soyjoy222 2041389@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm only 4 weeks in and I needed this thread. I am having a hard time being at home so much and feel a panic on and off throughout the day when I realize this is my life right now. It was comforting to read that it will get better. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2041386 Mon, 26 Jan 2015 22:13:34 +0000 sarac 2041386@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had one of those very easy babies, and honestly, what you're describing sounds really hard! I wouldn't blame yourself at all for enjoying less than other people seem to. Some people just get dealt a really difficult, high needs baby, and that just sucks. But everyone gets through it, and it always gets better. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2041330 Mon, 26 Jan 2015 21:40:17 +0000 raintreebee 2041330@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Things got a bit easier around 4 months after sleep training. He also started developing a fun personality around then. Then harder at 6 months due to going back to work and milk supply issues. Then we really hit our stride around 9 months. He was on a schedule then, and slept through the night. I would say that is when I started to really love being a mom. It takes time. But you will get there. I know if I was in your shoes, having someone say it takes months instead of days would be the last thing I'd want to hear. But you just have to trust that it will get better. And better. And better. </p> <p>P.S. I just realized in drafting this that I used the pronoun "she" instead of "he" in referring to my child so I suppose I am still pretty exhausted 12 months in. Lol. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2041322 Mon, 26 Jan 2015 21:35:34 +0000 loveisstrange 2041322@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When I went back to work when she was 17 months. I am so not cut out for the SAHM thing. It made me a miserable bitch.</p> <p>Parenting got EASIER around 6 months, after the colic was gone and she STTN. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2041317 Mon, 26 Jan 2015 21:29:24 +0000 Mae 2041317@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sarac: that article was great! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2041315 Mon, 26 Jan 2015 21:29:01 +0000 BandDmommy 2041315@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a weirdo. I like the ️️newborn stage. It's been a struggle now that my son is older. I hate discipline and sometimes he pushes my buttons. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2041311 Mon, 26 Jan 2015 21:22:51 +0000 cait 2041311@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with most people here - around 6 months! That's when she could play with a toy solo for even a couple minutes, slept pretty well and no longer only right on top of me, and I felt like I had a better grasp on everything. </p> <p>That first winter with her held some rough moments. Not being able to go out and just sit on the grass and get a little sun made every day gloomy. And cold weather exasperates my sleepiness x1000.</p> <p>Hang in there! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2041258 Mon, 26 Jan 2015 20:34:06 +0000 smores 2041258@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@chibee: haha, you always make me laugh! (#soblessed hahaha). </p> <p>I agree with what almost everyone is saying, I found the newborn stage to be very hard. I was completely shell shocked, struggled with breast feeding, questioned my every decision, and (still) struggle with sleep! Everything a newborn supposedly loves my son hated. The car, baths, stroller rides, sleeping...I was convinced everyone around me had easy, perfect babies and my son was a fussy, difficult baby. But, I think most babies have their tough moments. Around 4.5-5 months he started enjoying the car and baths and became interactive and with a few exceptions, stopped fighting naps so I'm enjoying motherhood much more than I did the first 16 weeks or so! Hang in there, this too shall pass!! </p> <p>I could still use more sleep. I don't see a full nights sleep in my near future so I can't help you there! ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2041080 Mon, 26 Jan 2015 17:25:33 +0000 swurlygurl 2041080@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't know if this helps at all, but I even have a super easy baby (sleeps stupid well, amazing napper, awesome demeanor), and I still really don't like the baby stage. I just don't think everyone is meant to love babies. 6 months it really started to get better (sitting, crawling, eating), and then 12 months+ is just a blast (for me, at least). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2041044 Mon, 26 Jan 2015 17:01:13 +0000 Cherrybee 2041044@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Want the honest truth? I still don't. I love my daughter to the moon and back but on a day to day basis the negatives far outweigh the positives. Its a far cry from the *witching hour* days where I pledged my soul to Satan in turn for a quick and painless death - emphasis on the quick - but I'm still waiting for the part where I transcend the selfishness and learn to love a life of no sleep, no peace and no let-up. </p> <p>Now who's a Debbie downer?! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2041022 Mon, 26 Jan 2015 16:48:26 +0000 yoursilverlining 2041022@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>At least 6 months. Honestly, I enjoy toddlerhood x1000000000000000000 more than babyhood. It is just so much more fun, and the challenges are so much more bearable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2040990 Mon, 26 Jan 2015 16:33:00 +0000 Mama Bird 2040990@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sarac: Great article! Some of the best advice I got as a new mom was along those lines. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2040870 Mon, 26 Jan 2015 15:25:50 +0000 ellewoods84 2040870@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As others have said, things seemed to get a lot easier around 6 months. When she was a newborn, people kept saying, just wait til 12 weeks, things will start looking up! So I was just waiting for 12 weeks and I thought, LIARS! Haha. The newborn stage is HARD, and I really feel like not enough people talk about it. Now at almost 9 months, things are getting easier and easier. I'm still sleep deprived (just being honest, but my baby is a terrible sleeper), but she is sleeping in longer stretches, she has a longer awake time and she actually enjoys playing and interacting with us and others, she's somewhat eating some solids, all in all its getting easier each month that passes. It will get better, even though it doesn't seem like it now. It is a tough adjustment! Some of my friends had babies around the same time as I did, and they were like, omg isn't it the best?!? I don't even mind waking up every hour if I am spending it with my sweet baby! I thought something was wrong with me because I was like, no, it isn't the best, it sucks and I can't wait until this is over. A lot of people I just don't feel comfortable sharing that, or maybe they feel like they are bad parents for feeling that way or something? Either way, be kind to yourself, and you will get through it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2040845 Mon, 26 Jan 2015 15:07:25 +0000 chibee 2040845@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MK0180: exactly! people can tell you until you're blue in teh face how life will change after baby but you don't know, and you're not ready for it until it literally hits you. i had a rough time (and with what happened to be, in hindsight, an easy baby) and i will never lie to new mothers that the newborn stage is the best time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2040818 Mon, 26 Jan 2015 14:53:39 +0000 MK0180 2040818@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@chibee: I did the same thing in being honest with people. I did not enjoy the newborn stage and it took me some time to bond with him. I tell people that the first few weeks is like being hazed. Life changes, literally, in an instant and although I knew what that meant, I had no idea how that felt. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/when-did-you-start-enjoying-being-a-parent/page/2#post-2040790 Mon, 26 Jan 2015 14:46:29 +0000 MK0180 2040790@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The witching hour sucks, I know, but like everything, that too, shall pass :happy: Our DS is 6 months right now and I'd have to say within the past few weeks (maybe when he turned 5 mos) is when I started to really enjoy it. It's still exhausting and overwhelming at times and I still think, "Oh god, I'm not doing this right" BUT his personality, being more mobile and interactive has made all those other things truly worth it. The first time he looked at me and legitimately smiled is when I realized that it was going to be all right. It DOES get easier :happy: </p>