Parenthood, like many challenges in life, is full of ups and downs and bumps and bruises. While I could take the time to expand on how being a parent can result in emotional pain from time to time, we’re going to discuss the more obvious pain associated with parenthood: physical pain.
I’m not saying that parenthood is quite the same as going ten rounds in the ring with a heavyweight (though, mothers could make that argument after giving birth), but you’ll encounter some pretty painful scenarios as a parent.
Parents, you’re enduring and patient and will suffer through the worst of the worst to make sure your kids grow up happy and healthy. But that doesn’t mean that you don’t recognize the struggle and physical suffering you withstand along the way.
Recently, Scary Mommy contributor Harmony Hobbs composed a list of some of the physical tolls parents’ bodies endure through the years. When we saw it, we couldn’t help but agree, and put in our own two cents.
Here’s our list of 5 ways being a parent literally hurts:
1. The little things add up
So let’s say it’s 2AM, and one of your kids just started crying for whatever reason. You’re walking through the hallway to address the issue, and you step on every parents worst nightmare: a single stray Lego block! Contrary to what The Lego Movie says, everything is not awesome.
What about this: you’re getting ready for a day out on the town and you’re safely fastening your kid into his/her carseat. Then all of a sudden, that damn safety buckle pinches you so hard that you want to scream and curse at the top of your lungs…but you can’t because you’re child is very impressionable.
These are just some examples of how parents go through some very minor injuries that add up over time, and truthfully…THEY HURT!
2. Injuries caused by lack of sleep
The last entry discussed injuries that are pretty much unavoidable. These are injuries that could be avoided but aren’t because when you’re sleep deprived, you’re not fully aware of what’s happening. Injuries of this nature could stem from missing a step on the staircase while you’re in a daze, or even stubbing your toe while you listlessly drag your feet around the house like a zombie.
Sleeping is valuable to your life and to your health. For parents, it’s also crucial for avoiding injuries!
3. Playtime with the kids
Parents, I know you want to be a component of your kids’ playtime, but the fact of the matter is that your body isn’t meant to keep up with them forever! You’ve probably noticed that your body may not be what it was when you were younger. As a result, you could end up aching or feeling some slight pain after playing and running around with your kids for extended periods of time.
4. Some pretty intense head injuries
No list of parenting pains would be complete without mentioning the headaches and general head injuries associated with parenthood! There are the obvious pains you’ll encounter like headaches from dealing with screaming or crying kids. Maybe even a migraine from trying to break up a fight between two or three of your kids.
However, there are also the rare injuries you might suffer also. Let’s say you’re playing catch, but you miss the ball and get whacked right in the head! What about this: You’re on your way to the kitchen and don’t see that your kid has made a huge mess on the floor. You slip and smack your head right on the tiling…ouch!
The latter examples are less common, but, parents, you’d be lying if you said that you haven’t experienced any head pains since becoming a mummy or daddy.
5. The struggle of hangovers
This one may be a bit polarizing because not every parent drinks on occasion. For those that do indulge from time to time, you may notice that managing a hangover nowadays isn’t as easy as when you were younger.
Plus, when you were younger, you could easily dedicate an entire day to nursing the hangover and napping. Now, that might be easier said than done. You have kids now, and that’s a responsibility that you can’t abandon. So drink that coffee and get ready for an excruciating hangover, parents!
If you have any insights, questions or comments regarding the topic, please share them with us!