34 Parenthood Rules That the Books Don't Tell You (but You Really Need to Know)
:extract_cover():upscale()/ps-image-unavailable.png)
During the course of adding a child into their lives, there is always a time in which new parents think, "Well, why didn't anyone warn me about this?" Sure, we get oodles of really important information from all those parenting books that we study up on prekids, but some of the most crucial lessons I've learned about raising children have come from experience in the field. So ditch the baby instruction manuals and check out some of the need-to-know rules that you probably won't get from any parenting books.
If a milk-filled sippy cup is lost, drop everything and find it.
Source: Instagram user mali_loves_oils
Never, ever leave a sharpie unattended.
Never serve rice (or shredded cheese or crackers) if you've just vacuumed the floor.
If he loves a certain food today, the same may not hold true for tomorrow.
The moment one child smiles is always the same moment another one blinks.
Locking the door is much easier than explaining what Mommy and Daddy are doing behind it.
Put folded laundry away immediately — it's easier than refolding it.
The later you go to bed at night, the earlier your child will wake up in the morning.
Source: Flickr user Jundy Tiu
Don't expect your child to take you seriously when you say, "Just this once."
Always kiss a boo-boo (even if there is no mark).
The moment you've realized your child has been quiet is a moment too late.
Source: Instagram user macie_day
"The Clean-Up Song" only works with one percent of children.
Source: Instagram user shortykddid
Traveling spouses and sick tots go hand in hand.
When your child says he "feels sick," you have 1.6 seconds to jump to action.
The day you leave without any extra diapers is the day you will need them the most.
Source: Flickr user Thorsten Trotzenberg
If you say something bad about someone, your toddler will find an opportunity to tell that person.
Source: Flickr user Simon Blackley
Your child's nasty cold will magically cure itself as soon as he steps into the doc's office.
Source: Flickr user Brett Neilson
Just because she refuses to try going potty doesn't mean she doesn't have to go.
Source: Flickr user Fairy Heart ♥
The pricier the purchase, the greater likelihood it will get lost.
Never wear white after having children.
If you need to run to the store really quick, don't bring your child.
Source: Instagram user balmainbug