How have you changed since having kids?

[desperatehousewife]

It's obvious that we do all change (quite significantly for most I would guess) when we become parents, but am interested in how people think they have changed the most. I feel I've changed quite a lot and I dont' like all the changes sadly . (apart from the obvious tits down to my knees, saggy c-section tummy overhang and tireness like I didn't think possible)
!

what changes don't you like?

ability to multitask has been honed to perfection

my body isn't the same and I'm more short tempered

body destroyed and litany of remedial operations required

clothes, shoes, bras no longer fit

am less self-centred & more connected to the community

have NO TIME at all!

but I am generally a lot nicer...

I got....

fatter
frumpier
more paranoid
more time-starved
more boring ( to my childless friends, I should think)

...but most of all I became happier and more fulfilled.

older and a lot more interested in children

i always have tissues

i drink less

i weigh more

I drink less too!
I also weigh slightly more....
I take wet wipes everywhere
I hardly go out at night with my partner, as distinct lack of baby sitters!

i go out less
and also
im more sensitive to anything had happened to children on the news as i think i know how the mum feels

Physically? My hips have broadened and my feet when up a half size.

the good things, include being more aware of my time keeping.
concern for others, putting other people (family) first. i was incredibly selfish as a non mum!
feeling real love on a level never thought possible before, i thought that mums were talking a load of balls about 'you can't understand unless you have one of your own'
and just generally i think that i am a nicer and more considerate person.

for the worse;
my figure (put on loads of weight due to pnd.
stress levels trying to balance work, study and family life

and thats about it i think!

I have changed in nearly all the ways described here, but most obviously (to me) is my complete drop in tolerance. I have always had a quick temper, but when I graduated from 2 to 3 children, something went inside me and I now lose it far more often and for little or no reason. I do hate that.

Also grey hairs, but I suppose that would have happened anyway.

But the up side is, despite having 4 children, I am still able to fit into my (tight) wedding dress so I don't thihk I have changed my body shape!

Physically I'm much the same now, except for a jelly belly which will not shift, and slightly larger softer boobs.

I cook more, and eat out less

I seem to live in Tescos, rather than just doing a weekly shop, which does depress me, but I never seem to be organised enough anymore.

I recycle more, and have delevoped a more ecological warrior mindset (not wasting water, electricity etc)

I take less time on my appearance (bits shaved less frequently, hair cut less, wear less make up etc), but don't have the time or inclination to worry about it.

I spend more time outside (garden, walks, park, beach etc), which is great.

Life is certainly different.

My boobs have got EVEN saggier, and have a saggy Caesarian tummy.

I never go out, rarely drink, don't go near smokers (some of the latter is to do with dp's cancer, though)

I am a lot more patient, a lot less judgemental, and more open minded.

And I have the most beautiful, happy, wonderful, funny, delightful daughter in the world!!

Definitely more patient and generally a nicer person. Not as interested in world events, the arts, politics or the 'real' world anymore, which I hate. Must seem so boring to my friends without children. Much happier and more content though. I don't feel the need to strive for anything anymore. All of the important stuff is right here in this house (family).

Physically, much bigger bum, stretchmarks, bigger boobs but not too bad. Well, we'll see. 33 weeks pregnant now so who knows what I'll look like next year!

Lost the ability to drink! whereas before kids I could knock back a bottle of wine, nowadays its 1 glass and I'm worse than useless.
On the physical side I weigh the same as pre-kids but things must have shifted around as I'm a different shape altogether.

more confident and self-assured

great answers! I definatly am more understanding of my parents. Which can't be a bad thing can it?

I have changed a lot I suppose.
Dont really think too much about it, my boobs are a little bigger, have some weight to lose - the usual stuff.
Used to work full time, and was dreading staying at home on maternity leave, but I enjoyed it. I work part time now, and never thought in a million years that I would adapt to that.
I do try to save money more and recycle more, perhaps it is the washable nappies giving me the 'save the planet' bug!
I am more confident, and it has brought me and DH closer, as we realise what else is going on in the world. Used to look at mums with buggies and think - 'that wont be me'..

after second ds - more confident and far happier with myself, ituation and enjoy my own company more than others now

The lines around my eyes are 100 times worse than they were 4 years ago!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I like to think I'm more understanding , used to fly off the handle at stupid things but now a firm believer in 'walking a mile in someone elses shoes' so to speak. Not sure why this happened after becoming a parent!