On becoming a parent

“Having a baby dragged me, kicking and screaming, from the world of self-absorption.”

– Paul Reiser

The week after my high school graduation, an older family friend said, “Boy, your life is really going to change now. College is a lot of work!”  

I loved college, but I didn’t find the transition from high school all that difficult. I had worked hard in high school, and college was no different.

When I bought my first house, another friend told me, “Boy, your life is really going to change now. Keeping a house takes a lot of work!”  

Maintaining my own home has taken work, but it certainly hasn’t been life changing. 

Still again, when I became engaged, an earnest coworker said, “Boy, your life is really going to change. Marriage takes a lot of work!” Again, I braced for a sea change that never really came. 

Then we decided to start a family. 

My mother said, “I’m happy for you. Of course, your life is going to change. Having a baby is a lot of work!” 

Yeah, I thought. I’ve heard that before.  Then the baby came.

And Mom was right! Having a baby is a lot of work. It’s a lot of fun, too, and it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made. Being a good parent isn’t always easy, but it is truly “the” life changer.