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Written by Kirstin Stokes Smith | Ever roll your eyes after hearing a dreamy-eyed parent say, “I can’t imagine life without my kids”? I have — both before and after I became a mother.

Parenthood isn’t for the faint of heart (or the weak of stomach). It’s one of the most difficult things you’ll ever undertake. And yes, it’s also one of the most fulfilling and rewarding endeavours of your life. You’ve heard the clichés, but it’s about to get real here so hold onto your coffee while I lay out the ten things nobody tells you about being a parent:

1. You’ll relish going to the bathroom alone. parenthood

But be warned. Even if you manage to sneak out alone, the kids will find you, and because you’ve removed the locks to keep them safe, they’ll paw open the door to get to you. Think zombie apocalypse movie.

2. You and your partner will fight over who gets to go pick up milk and toilet paper (alone).

Remember those nights you’d crash on the couch after a long day of work only to realize the toilet paper and milk supply were dangerously low? Back then you’d rock, paper, scissors for the privilege of staying home. Now, errand runs sans kids (and spouses) are like spa days.

3. Having time to yourself will lose its lustre.

The first time you leave your child with a sitter really isn’t all it’s cut out to be! You’ll soon wonder if your little one is missing you, if he/she are still breathing, or if he/she has pulled a large piece of furniture on top of him/herself and the sitter. Most of all, you’ll feel like a part of you is missing and you’ll start counting the minutes until you’re with your child again.

4. You’ll eat most of your meals standing up.

It can take up to half an hour to feed a small child and a baby (more if you’re doing both!). By the time they’re fed, they’re ready to go, and you’ve got to keep up with them (see above re: the dangers of kids and furniture).

5. If you sit alone for more than 20 minutes, you may fall asleep.

Movie nights are the worst. You’re out on a much needed date with the spouse and five minutes after the lights go down, you’re a goner. You’ll even sleep through action movies.

6. Waiting at the doctor’s office will seem like a mini-holiday.

Maybe your doctor runs a tight ship. Mine doesn’t and before the baby came, waiting for an hour or two drove me crazy. After I became a mom, I made a morning or afternoon out of it, buying a fancy coffee, bringing a book and even a pillow (see above re: child care-induced narcolepsy).

7. The walk around the car after you secure your child into their car seat will also seem like a mini-holiday.

Sometimes it’s a gong show trying to get a child into a car seat. Think herding loud, angry kittens. When you finally get the job done, that walk around the car can feel like a victory lap. A luxurious, quiet victory lap.

8. Packing light for vacations will mean a minimum of six bags.

Before I was a mom, I’d say things like, “If it doesn’t fit in the backpack, it doesn’t go.” After baby, reality set in. Woe is the parent who hasn’t adequately packed a diaper bag, multiple changes of kids’ clothes, toys, and snacks.

9. You’ll constantly find yourself picturing life without your children; and

10. When you do, you’ll realize how lonely you’d be without them.

Now go give your little one a hug. parenthood parenthood parenthood parenthood parenthood