You know, growing up and even in my early twenties I never really thought much about having kids. In fact, I don't know that I really gave it much thought until I got pregnant on my honeymoon with my first born son. And even then, the reality of the full responsibility of what you are embarking on doesn't fully hit you until you walk out of the door of the hospital, with a new baby in tow and no one stops you.
I can remember the moment we walked into our little apartment, our newborn son in his little carseat bucket, sat him on the coffee table and looked at each other and said "now what?"
Somehow, life goes on from there. One day at a time you transfer all of your concern, worry, time, devotion and love into this tiny little person. You become concerned with each detail of their lives. Are they sleeping enough? Are they eating enough? Growing enough? Time marches on and you soon have a little person on your hands. No longer a baby with basic needs, but a person whose feelings can be hurt, whose heart needs tending, whose mind needs filling with all the right things.
I've come to realize that whatever stage you are in with raising a child, that stage is easier than the one to come. They only get harder. Babies are easy: eat, sleep and fresh diapers. Children are different. They change you and make you into better people as YOU try to make them into good people. The older they get the more they challenge you. And I don't mean in a defiant way, I mean in a "why do I say/do/believe/advocate/choose this or that?" way.
As you develop their character, they develop yours. They make you see yourself more clearly than any mirror. From the moment they repeat "get outta the way jerk" from the back seat of your car, you begin to take a closer look at all you do.
How do you treat people? Talk to the cashier? Help a stranger? Treat a homeless person? From the moment of comprehension, having children makes you analyze who you are because they are watching and listening to you. And soaking it all in. And not just externally, for show but internally they begin to shape and shave the very core of who you are because children don't do as you SAY, they do as you DO.
I know that having children has turned me into the kind of person I am not sure I would have become on my own, without them. Raising children well requires a certain level of forced selflessness that I am not sure comes naturally to anyone.
I, personally, have to work hard to be selfless, putting my needs last and theirs first. I've learned to be more patient and flexible in my expectations of others. More eager to serve them and less needy about serving myself.
Overall, I've learned to take a situation, almost any situation and think "Is this an issue of the heart or mind?" because that should form how you react to it. Is someone talking this way to me because they are having a bad day or because their mom is sick or their baby is running a fever? Being around children 24/7 makes you realize that the surface behavior may be linked to something far deeper. Tantrums and crying fits are always linked to something more, no matter the age of the person. There is a need there that is looking to be filled. My kids helped me realize that this is a universal idea.
Children have a way of causing a lot of self-evaluation. How well am I taking care of myself? How long will I be able to keep up with them? How healthy is the food that I am eating? Does it matter how it is grown? Suddenly it really matters how long you are alive and how great the quality of that life.
Children change everything about you. Priorities shift along with your bed time. Suddenly a solo trip to Target sounds like just the vacation you need. And the best part, is that is OK. With priorities appropriately shifted to their right order, the things you thought you needed are no longer even on the list because the fulfillment of joy in someone else's life is suddenly the key to yours.
Dreamworks' Delivery Man film focuses on this very idea of children changing you into your best self! Watch David's journey (Vince Vaughn) as an unexpected discovery unfolds as a heartwarming story to find his long lost children and his true self. You can bring home this hilarious and heartfelt 'Special Delivery' on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD 3/25/2014.
You can watch the Delivery Man trailer here: http://youtu.be/V1lZKDNJ4aQ.
To Order Now click here.
Facebook Link here.
AND, just for fun, BlogHer is going to give one of you lucky folks a $100 Visa gift card! Leave me a comment with the answer to "How have your children changed you?" in the comment section on this post. BlogHer will choose a winner and notify you directly! :)
Sweepstakes Rules: No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods: Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry. This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winner will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here. This sweepstakes runs from 3/20/14 – 4/19/14. Be sure to visit the Delivery Man page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
168 comments:
Whew - in every way possible? Everything you described and then also, my personality just changed without me realizing it. I got softer, which was a good (yet scary) thing. I am a very sarcastic person and I shield uncomfortableness with humor (think Chandler). I never showed real emotion other than silliness before having kids. Now, while I'm still not the most sappy person you'll meet, I will cry every now and then. I listen better. I empathize. Sometimes I don't like feeling so much because vulnerability is scary, but I know it's for the best, and it's thanks to my kids.
It has changed me by making me slow down in life.
vandenbossche3@hotmail.com
As you develop their character, they develop yours - beautifully said.
having kids made me more patient
elena150980@yahoo.com
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/446738708201357312
elena150980@yahoo.com
Having children has made me appreciate the small moments. Before I had kids, I seemed to be in a rush all the time and anxious to move onto the next thing. Now I wish I could freeze time.
mami2jcn at gmail dot com
tweet:
https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/446766165231411200
Man, how have my kids NOT changed me??!! Ha! Mostly they have forced me to get outside of myself and to learn selflessness. It's a journey that is only possible by His grace!!!
Man, how have my kids NOT changed me??!! Ha! Mostly they have forced me to get outside of myself and to learn selflessness. It's a journey that is only possible by His grace!!!
My oldest son was a handful from beginning. He was diagnosed with Autism at 15 months old. This little booger (ha, he's 8 now) has taught me a patience beyond what I thought I could ever have. He has also helped me learn how to care less about how people look at me and to just enjoy myself.
My daughter has made me more patient and loving. neyabenz(at)gmail(dot)com
My kids have changed me by making me responsible for them. It's a huge job but a fun one.
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/447084993940951041
My niece and nephew have taught me to appreciate the people in my life and recognize the importance of relationships. They also have taught me to make a conscious effort to be happy and pleasure the little things in life. They have taught me not to take life too seriously and don't sweat the small stuff.
Being a parent has made me be more responsible and patient. Thanks so much.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/447124632379072512
Thanks again.
rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
My child has taught me what unconditional love is
Made me be more patient.
austma7@aol.com
I don't have a kid, but I have a dog who is my "kid". :-) She's taught me to be happier, in general. I love how dogs are always happy!
Kids really do show you how you come across to the world. I remember the shock the first time my daughter was behaving a way I didn't like and realizing that she was being me! That is just one of the many changes I have made over the years of parenting. They bring out your best and your worse and you help each other to be better people, that is what family is all about.
My kids have taught me better critical thinking as well as better compromising :) I need both in order to watch out for my kids best interest, as well as balancing freedom with good choices :)
anastasia2013@gmail.com
Tweeted :) - https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/447299988817600514
anastasia2013@gmail.com
My heart has opened wider than I ever could have imagined.
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/447370255737032704
being a lot more selfless!
jessicarwarfield at gmail dot com
I tweeted too! https://twitter.com/jessrwarfield/status/447406637939458049
jessicarwarfield at gmail dot com
My daughter has taught me how to love others and to take things simple.
They have shown me how beautiful it is to be selfless.
chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com
Having kids does change you . I has made me more patient and loving. You remember what is was like to be a child yourself
s2s2 at Comcast dot net
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/447431861099175936
s2s2 at Comcast dot net
my kids have changed me for the better because i try to be a good example and role model for them, so i am more aware of doing the right things at the right times.
stigay at comcast.net
My kids have changed me by teaching me to appreciate the small things life has to offer.
They have given me patience, understanding, and the ability to unconditional love.
elysesw@aol.com
Its made me more responsible and concerned about the future of the country.
lazybones344 at gmail dot com
more patience and look at things through children's eyes - simple joys
tvollowitz at aol dot com
They have taught me to have lots of patience and given me new perspective on life.
https://twitter.com/ardy22/status/447587982459928576
My children taught me selflessness and unconditional love. :)
Lesha@tothemotherhood.com
Having children has taught me patience, which was a big problem for me. You cannot be impatient with children at all, and with my new-found patience, it has made other areas of my life better, especially relationships with others. I find the care of children rewarding and watching them grow and change is wonderful.
my tweet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/447708022270205952
Yes, they've given me a newfound appreciation for life.
I was pretty depressed until I met my husband and then had my children. I am so happy with them.
tamarsweeps-at-gmail-dot-com
I can see the happiness, wonder and beauty in the world through my daughter's eyes. It is amazing the little things you appreciate with a child in your life.
I don't have my own kids but the kids at my job remind me that people are resilient in the face of life.
They've taught me to not take life so seriously, or myself :)
heatheranne99 at gmail dot com
Tweet!
https://twitter.com/ScoomerBlog/status/447826810001051648
heatheranne99 at gmail dot com
We tried for a year to have a baby, and then finally found out we were having twins. They have changed our lives for the better. My husband and I have gotten closer to God because of the things we went through trying to get pregnant and my son being in the Nicu (5 weeks early).
We do not drink anymore, we are more patient, we both appreciate the little things in life more, and we just dedicate our lives and time to our kids. They are such a blessing and truly are the GREATEST gift!!
Thank you!!
faithrains2387 (At) Yahoo.com
Tweeted:
https://twitter.com/heavensangel238/status/448272732472348674
Thank you
faithrains2387 (At) Yahoo.com
I am much more patient since having my daughter. I think that waiting to have children until I was married for 10 years and considerably older has also helped with this. I find that I have been able to finally slow down and really enjoy life. She encourages me to live more mindfully by her total enjoyment of life.
I have become a more patient person.
rhoneygtn at yahoo dot com
My girls have made me stronger. They've taught me that I am strong enough
to stand up for myself and them. I have to be willing to go that extra mile for
them because no one else will. I can't stand back and not say anything like I use to because I don't want anyone hurting my child. Thank you!
crystalfaulkner2000 at yahoo dot com
They taught me to believe once again in things I believed in as a child, it is priceless.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/448645299083296768
I have not seen the movie yet, but I really like Vince Vaughn's quick wit! How has my daughter changed me? How has she not changed me? I had a very emotionally unsettling pregnancy. We were poor, in school, newly married, and far from everyone else I loved. I worked full time as a labor nurse and attended grad school through my pregnancy. I really wondered if I would be a good mom. God really worked on my heart during that time. As soon as she was born, I remember dressing her in the one outfit we could afford and thinking "This is what I am supposed to do with my life. I am supposed to be her mom." I knew that she deserved so much more than I could ever give her. I knew that she deserved to know Jesus. Eight months later, my husband and I accepted Jesus as our savior and have devoted our lives to teaching our daughter to love Jesus. That's how she changed my life. Jesus sent her so I would open my heart to Him. He knew that my baby deserved a personal relationship with Him. Blessings! Susan
Having my daughter made me a more patient person. I was always pretty patient, but with her I learned to make sure I slowed down and enjoy every moment and wait for things, most everything is worth the wait
I tweeted https://twitter.com/2BeFitBy50/status/449201454054912001
I learned that true love is never ending and unconditional.
I learned that true love is never ending and unconditional.
Beside keeping me active, I became a responsible person.
Less time to clean!! lol
My kids have changed me in ways I never thought imaginable. The biggest being my selfishness. I had no clue I was selfish, completely blind to it until I had my first baby. The second she was born and need to be fed, comforted, and kept warm by me my perception changed. After that it didn't matter what I wore, if we didn't have money for the fancy gadget I wanted, even down to things like when I had time to eat, sleep, or shower were no longer up to me. It gave me a whole new view on God's love for us and a better idea of how I needed to set myself aside in order to serve Him.
She taught me patience and unconditional love.
hewella1 at gmail dot com
My kids taught me patience.
As someone who has been trying to conceive for almost three years, I am looking forward to learning how my children will change my life.
i'm able to relate to others better
Having children changed me in so many ways, I definitely became less selfish but more importantly I realized I had to take better care of myself because I was responsible for more than just my happiness in life.
mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/mummytotwoboys1/status/451079844336373760
mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com
they made me a better person and stronger
https://twitter.com/HappyTina0115/status/451172439167225858
I'm so much less judgmental, parenting is humbling! I do NOT have all the answers!
https://twitter.com/channynn/status/451346963686912000
i didnt know how to truley love until i had kids.. it really made me feel more
vanitizebaby@yahoo.com
tweet
https://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/451419434825953280
vanitizebaby@yahoo.com
my daughter taugt me to be patient
joe gersch
joebissy@mail.com
my daughter taugt me to be patient
joe gersch
joebissy@mail.com
in every way possible. for the good. I am more patient. motivated to be a better person and to love everyone. amypugmire@live.com
tweet. amypugmire@live.com
https://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/451497100937670656
My kids have changed me by showing me the joy and value of serving someone else first. It's been a hard lesson sometimes, but one that has grown "out" into my life in general.
taclmaron@ptd.net
There is really no part of my life that did not change because of them.
Having the girls has helped me to trust my own judgment and become more patient.
thank you
Tweet
https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/451947982884446208
I don't have any childern of my own. I have a special niece that is like our own. She has changed my mind on several issues in life. She is a strong minded person and I'm willing to listen and hear what she says.
BK (before kids) I was a quiet mouse. Then, my son was diagnosed with diabetes and I figured out quickly that if you don't advocate for your child, no one else will either. It really opened me up to all sorts of things...I've run for offices, led groups and now I'm in sales!
I've learned great anger control and patience by having kids!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
Tweet: https://twitter.com/coriwestphal/status/452987279221350400
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I only have a furbaby, I was unfortunate and couldn't carry. But, she is our joy and she brings so much love and happiness to our life.
https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/453062511685042176
I've learned a lot about patience and the power of laughter.
Oh boy...what haven't my 4 daughters taught me?! Most of all they've taught me about unconditional love.
My kids have taught me selflessness and a deeper love than I've ever known!
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/453681883323199488
nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net
My kids have made my life so much funner.
My kids made me more creative. They brought back my playful side
Addictedtorodeo at gmail dot com
i learned that its okay if everything isn't perfect!
debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com
i posted a tweet:
https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/454097187253653504
debbiebellows (at) gmail (dot) com
They've made me a more giving person.
to put others needs first
MCantu1019 at aol dot com
my son has forced me to slow down and enjoy every moment
https://twitter.com/raggammuffin/status/454601183605587968
They have showed me how to pause and enjoy the little things in life! mistyharms2@yahoo.com
Tweeted https://twitter.com/mistymarie34/status/454789856351121408
mistyharms2@yahoo.com
My daughter has helped me live in the now and see the world through a child's eyes....ahhh the wonder!
cgies25 at hotmail
I have changed for the better by putting someone else first and caring more.
motioncitycutie(at)aol(dot)com
I have changed for the better by putting others before myself and having more patient. Thanks for the giveaway aunteegem@yahoo.com
Because I had my daughter at such a young age, I had to grow up quite quickly and become a responsible adult and parent.
I have 2 sons, 4 and 6. They have taught me to be more patient.
seyma_bennett@hotmail.com
I can't begin to name all the ways my children have changed me.
I was a military wife far from home and had 5 children by the age of 24. I grew up with my children. I look at young women now and wonder how in the world did I do it at their age.
willitara [at] gmail [dot] com
Tweet - https://twitter.com/willitara/status/455609651556401152
willitara [at] gmail [dot] com
My kids have taught me to see the fun side of things.
neiddyruiz@gmail.com
Tweet - https://twitter.com/neiddy_ruiz/status/455796493115326464
neiddyruiz@gmail.com
Made me realize it's okay not to control everything.
having children taught me that things are not always right or wrong... sometimes they just are
My son has made me a much more patient person, and he makes me take the time to stop and appreciate the little things.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
tweet--https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/456014254760808449
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
They make you slow down and see the world from a different view. It seems that until you have kids you don't appreciate the little things.....things you used to just walk by and never gave a thought to.
Once I had kids I became less self-centered, got to feel what it was like to be a kid again, made me see the world in a much different way, made me value my own life more, it made my relationship with my husband, parents and sisters even stronger and overall I feel like I feel emotions even stronger.
By seeing the wonder in even some not so great things--like bugs!
My kids have made me to constantly strive to be the best mom I can...I quit smoking 5 years ago for them...I'm always trying to set a positive example for them. I was an adventure seeker before them...now I'm much more cautious about EVERYTHING!
pittsy82@hotmail.com
tweeted https://twitter.com/pittsy82/status/456157108791037952
pittsy82@hotmail.com
I tend to be a spur of the moment person but having kids changed that for good. You have to plan things out, you have to bring this, that and the other thing. When a kid has to pee, they mean Now not ten minutes from now.
https://twitter.com/ddx155/status/456181445871284224
I learned unconditional love! My kids have taught me to enjoy every moment!
They have giving me the gift of patience and so much joy that it has made me such a better person
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet
https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/456297539273097216
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
My kids made me realize what and who are important to have in my life. And to appreciate every moment.
njharmonyg at aol dot com
tweet https://twitter.com/hburmeister/status/456339714488795137
njharmonyg at aol dot com
I don't have any kids. I plan to have some one day though.
My kids have changed me for the better by making me see life through their young eyes, kids are so positive and see the best in life and other people.
My kids taught me to slow down and take the stop and smell the roses philosophy so to speak.
I am more patient than ever before
dlatany at gmail dot com
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/456449225044156416
dlatany at gmail dot com
your life become more about them and less about u
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/456455942620450817
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/456455942620450817
I quit smoking for my little 4 year old daughter because she asked me. After 26 years of the habit I kicked it for her..I want to see her grow up!
I quit smoking for my little 4 year old daughter because she asked me. After 26 years of the habit I kicked it for her..I want to see her grow up!
My 2 sons have taught me to laugh more and not take everything as seriously and to remember a house doesn't have to be spotless....just lived in.
Diane Baum
esldiane@gmail.com
I feel like having kids made me live in the moment, and taught me what was really important. Being a mom is the best thing in my life. I love my kids more than anything.
4mariemh atgmaildot com
They have changed me for the better by teaching me patience
Teaching me time management
My kids have changed me completely. The minute I had my first son I knew that the world wasn't all about me anymore. For the first time I experienced true selflessness. I have 3 grown sons and 2 grandsons now and they are the most important things in the world to me.
tweet
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/456558825202409472
They taught me to believe in and enjoy the simple things.
Patience and unconditional love
tweety800265(at)yahoo(dot)com
https://twitter.com/disneyfan40/status/456592216882810880
tweety800265(at)yahoo(dot)com
MY CHILDREN TAUGHT ME LOVE :)
MY KIDS TAUGHT ME LOVE AND PATIENCE ;)
They taught me calmness.
My kids have taught me to appreciate the little things and patience.
fmd518 at gmail dot com
My kids taught me patience and letting go to have fun.
traymona[at]aol.com
I am more patient.
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/456782762792722432
pokergrl8 at gmail.com
my kids have changed my life for the better by showing me how to enjoy the little things in life. life is too short to be mad, just smile and have a good time.
susansmoaks at gmail dot com
My kids have made my alot more responsible and caring.
rounder9834 @yahoo.com
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/456843737327751168
rounder9834 @yahoo.com
I am more aware of how my actions affect the world.
discriminating_diva at yahoo dot com
It's no longer all about me, because my son always comes first.
ccboobooy at gmail dot com
My kids taught me love, patience and responsibility
I've never had kids. I think they teach you to live in the moment.
Thanks for the contest.
slehan at juno dot com
https://twitter.com/slehan/status/456922678251642880
slehan at juno dot com
I have learned that there is more to life than just me. Thank you
candieluster(at)gmail(dot)com
I understand love so much more and the future is even more important I have a million times more patience. I also use to wish for time to fly by (growup) and now I wish it would slow down.
Made me more responsible.
hlee99 at gmail dot com
Made me more responsible.
hlee99 at gmail dot com
tweeted
https://twitter.com/leedhowell/status/457388566247923714
hlee99 at gmail dot com
Kids teach me to be worry-free!
ajoy1332 at yahoo dot com
https://twitter.com/ajoy1332/status/457514290803531776
ajoy1332 at yahoo dot com
I appreciate the fact that my daughter has caused me to consider what the truly important things are in life. It isvery important to live day by day rather than in the future.
Children make me more responsive to others' needs.
eugeniewu [at] gmail-dot-com
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