For most women, they begin to feel all of the love and anxiety and protection of motherhood the day they find out they are pregnant. Dads usually take a little longer, but the moment they see that smushy, screaming face for the first time, they know.
That said, there are moments you realize “wow, I’m a parent” and there are the moments you realize parenthood just welcomed you with a swift kick to the rear.
These 10 moments are definitely the latter, and you’ll be laughing along, remembering when it happened to you.
10. It gets you every time.
Four years in and I still worry.
Welcome to parenthood. Don't worry, your kid is still alive, their neck just does that when they fall asleep in the car.
— Henpecked Hal (@HenpeckedHal) December 28, 2020
9. We were all young and beautiful once.
And free and fancy.
https://twitter.com/DepressedDarth/status/1349777928909955080
8. The pictures is how they get you.
And they’re always terrible.
Welcome to parenthood, every activity your kid wants to do costs 1 million dollars plus pictures.
— Lurkin' Mom (@LurkAtHomeMom) October 4, 2018
7. The threats aren’t empty when the laundry gets dumped, though.
Why are there always so many clothes?!
Welcome to parenthood: where the laundry basket is always full and the threats are always empty.
— SpacedMom (@copymama) April 12, 2019
6. So is not drinking.
And saving money.
Welcome to Parenthood:
Finishing thoughts, meals and R.E.M. cycles are a thing of the past now.
— MacgyveringMom22🍉 (@MacgyveringM22) August 22, 2018
5. If you’re lucky.
I can’t even stay awake that long on some days.
Welcome to parenthood, you will now watch all your shows in 4 minute increments.
— Dadman Walking (@dadmann_walking) October 14, 2020
4. Who knows what your child is bringing home from school?
Also, you’re old now.
Welcome to parenthood. Your list of symptoms will soon sound like a combination of side effects from every known prescription drug.
— A Bearer Of Dad News (@HomeWithPeanut) November 30, 2020
3. Sometimes it’s because they’re being picky.
Other times it’s because they already ate it all.
Welcome to parenthood.
Hope you like hearing “THERE’S NOTHING TO EAT!” right after you spent your life savings at the grocery store.
— Sarcastic Mommy (@sarcasticmommy4) September 12, 2020
2. And their half-finished sandwiches.
And yogurt pouches. And on and on and on and on.
Welcome to parenthood. Your refrigerator is now a graveyard of your kids’ half-finished drinks.
— SpacedMom (@copymama) September 21, 2020
1. Or nice things.
Or your non-gray hairs. Or anything you held dear that you don’t want vomited on or broken.
Welcome to parenthood.
Hope you don't enjoy sitting or sleeping.
— Sarcastic Mommy (@sarcasticmommy4) October 10, 2017
Ah, at least we’re all part of the same club, eh?
What was this moment like for you? Share the details with us in the comments!