Today we’re featuring a guest post from Erica Johnson from Inner Parents! She’s a mother of two and is super passionate about parenting & baby products. Today, she will be guiding you three surprising facts when you’re parenting! So let’s get started.

With all of the parenting columns, blogs, and books out there, it is easy to think that you understand anything and everything there is to know about raising children. While you might have picked up a tip or two here and there, there’s a whole lot more that you simply learn from experience. Here are InnerParents 7 things about parenting you’ll kick yourself for not knowing.

7 Things About Parenting You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing

Snuggles aren’t going to kill sleep

Whether you are a brand new parent or on your second or third child, the people around you won’t hesitate to give you parenting advice. You’ve probably already heard that if you hold your baby too much, he or she is going to have difficulty sleeping on their own.

This can create a lot of unnecessary worry and prevent you from doing what you do best: loving and creating a strong connection with your child. Simply do what feels right for you and your baby. For me, that was holding my infant as much as possible while I could.

And you know what? I never noticed any difficulty getting my children on a schedule or sleeping soundly through the night. Your snuggles could even promote more restful sleep.

There isn’t a “right” age to wean

Some parents firmly believe that a child should be completely weaned by the age of 1 or they might become dependent and clingy. While some children are ready by this age, others are not. Time and experience has taught me that all children are clingy during these early stages! Nursing is a very personal decision that shouldn’t be made according to anyone else’s deadline or beliefs.

The truth is, continuing to breastfeed helps your child reduce the chance of developing a food intolerance and has continued benefits of protecting your little one from infection, regardless if he or she is 3 months or two and three years old. Weaning is between you and your child, and it will happen naturally when you are both ready.

Vaccines are not the epitome of evil

You have probably heard some truly frightening information surrounding the use of vaccines. The heartbreaking stories that often get passed around are enough to make anyone question whether they are doing the right thing. I admit, that I myself had my doubts at one time. I started doing research – I wanted to find a reason that these shots weren’t safe.

The truth is, I couldn’t find anything scientifically credible to back up these claims. Finally, I spoke with a doctor of microbiology who had dedicated his life’s work to helping people and studying disease. I realized then just how silly I was to get caught up in so much disbelief. Your child’s doctor wants nothing more than to see a happy, healthy baby in his or her office for years to come.

Teenagers are actually really fun

When your kids are young and being mischievous or naughty, people love to tell you “just wait until their teenagers”! While it is true that bigger kids have bigger problems, watching our children blossom into wonderful young adults can be a truly fulfilling experience.

As your children grow up they become more fun to be around and you can create more lasting experiences and memories. Many parents and their children grow to more than just child and parent, they become lifetime friends.

Loving your child is not the same as “spoiling” your child

When I had my first kid I was really worried about spoiling them too much. Looking back, I wish I had carried them I my arms all day, let them sleep with me more, and made more time for them throughout the weeks.

As a parent you learn pretty quickly that your children are only going to need you like that for a short period of their lives. Giving your child plenty of loving early on is not going to affect their independency as an adult. Stop stressing yourself with worry and just enjoy the act of being a parent.

Check out these posts:

• How to Set up a Healthy Communication Channel With Your Children
• Why did I waste money on my baby?
• 10 Times When Dads Are Better (Hey Moms, You Will Agree!)

Parenting is not all sunshine and roses

I hated when people made me constantly feel like I should love being a parent 24/7. Unfortunately, I truly listened when people told me it was wonderful all the time. I ended up living with guilt constantly because I was in fact, not enjoying everything minute of it.

If I had a chance to do it all over again I would tell myself that it’s completely fine to live that way. Honest people will let you know that parenting is not all smiles all of the time, and knowing that doesn’t make you in any way a bad parent.

Your child will live up to high expectations.

It’s a common practice to underestimate our children and all that they are capable of. We often get in the habit of doing things that they want to try for themselves. I truly wish I treated my babies more like adults in training.

Children are very capable of cleaning up after themselves, getting themselves ready for the day, and getting ready for bed. You might not be on time everywhere that you go, but setting high expectations and allowing your child the opportunity to become independent will get them better used to taking responsibility for themselves.

Conclusion

As parents, we have the incredibly hard job of shaping another individuals entire being. This can be both exciting and incredibly daunting at the same time. Above all, listen to your child and trust your own instincts.

No matter what anyone tells you, this entire journey is a gift, and when you reach the end of the road, you’ll be longing to do it all over again.

If you enjoyed this list, share with your friends and family! Don’t forget to let us know some parenting tips you’re kicking yourself for not knowing sooner in the comments below.

Author Bio: Erica Johnson is the Main Editor for Inner Parents and a very proud mother of two who’s passionate about the latest parenting tips & baby products.