6 Questions Parents Never Stop Asking Themselves

It doesn't matter how many kids you have. It doesn't matter how old they are. You will always be asking these six questions.

1. What is that smell?
In the beginning, the smell may be coming from the hidden neck crease that is filled with day old breastmilk or from the week old squished strawberry that was left under the couch by your toddler.Years later when you ask that question, it may be due to the sweaty duffle bag containing your teenager's unwashed P.E. clothes even though school ended a week ago or maybe it's the mystery take out box that was left in your fridge by your forgetful daughter after her last date.



2. Why is there so much laundry?
When they'll little, you'll be constantly be changing them because of a blow out, spit up, spill, or mud pie experiment gone wrong. When they're older, your washing machine will be on overload because of frequent wardrobe changes and stinky sports uniforms.

3. Why is bedtime so difficult?
Bedtime can be a nightmare for parents of young kids. You know what they say: wired equals tired. That pretty much sums up bedtime. You try so hard to do your bedtime routine of teeth brushing and stories as you try to pry the kids off the ceiling fan, but they've got 10x the energy that you do. And once you get them into bed, they never stay there. Ten years down the line, your bedtime battles will be your daughter secretly talking on the phone after "lights out" or your son hiding the iPad under his pillow so he can watch YouTube videos until midnight.

4. When can I get a good night's sleep?
Sure, you expect to be sleep deprived when you have a newborn, but what about when your kids are toddlers? Bad dreams. A cough from a cold. The random 4am wake up. There's always something that will keep you from your beauty sleep. And just when you think you can finally get some rest, the kids will no longer be kids and you'll be up all night worrying about them until they step safely through the front door.

5. Where's all of my money going?
Babies require a lot of stuff, expensive stuff. Diapers alone can easily cost you $100 a month for your newborn baby. Then, you need to factor in the clothing and shoes since they grow like weeds. Don't forget about the baby food and plethora of sippy cups, plates, bowls, and utensils that you need to feed the baby. And don't get me started on the gear and toys that will eventually take over your house. As the years go by, you do your best to raise money responsible teens, but you will still be shelling out dough like it's going out of style. Gas money, the new "it" boots, new sports equipment, eating out, laptops, a car, COLLEGE. Yikes! Can we go back to the days when diapers was the biggest expense?

6. How can I be so amazed by this kid?
Whether your boo just learned how to roll over or just learned how to drive, she will continue to amaze you. You'll be amazed by the new skill she learned, the creativity that she shows in her artwork, the kindness that she shows to her brother, the determination she has in school, the good judgement that she shows as she grows into a young lady. You're raising an amazing person, and she will continue to prove it to you when you least expect it.