What I Wish I Knew Before I Became A Parent

[@chelspanda927]

it's so refreshing seeing you experiment with your storytelling style! thanks for being vulnerable about what this chapter of your life has been like for you. you are also glowing 💕✨

[@waverlyyang9963]

It’s because of you, Jenn, that when I was feeling panicked and not jumping for joy with my positive pregnancy test, I didn’t feel too guilty because you were brave enough to be vulnerable about your reaction in your pregnancy vlogs. Every time you share your experiences on parenthood, you take the words right out of my mouth and make me feel so seen. So thank you ❤️

[@MeteoricMarlin]

I dont have children but one thing my friend has emphasized to our friend group that was a game changer for her kiddo was switching to old kids shows. She only lets him watch shows she grew up with like Mr. Rogers, Big comfy couch, old episodes of sesame street etc. Her son responded really well to them. He's no longer over stimulated.

[@lebre.]

Yesssss to calling out KZbinKids!! As an influential KZbinr, you are doing your job well by influencing in the right direction 🙌 a perfect example of what an influencer should be! Thank you for not being afraid to speak out ❤️

[@bambaolina]

thank you for shouting out lennon's nanny jenn! i was a career nanny for five years and i so often felt like the families i worked for wanted to hide me away and were embarrassed to have a nanny, for whatever reason. i'm sure lennon's nanny feels so lucky!

[@funxuyilee1417]

No one's ever ready for parenthood. It's a learning process Jenn and you're doing great!

[@wildpasta]

Yes no one's ever 10000% ready for parenthood, but that isn't an excuse for completely winging parenthood on the go when the child is already born. There's so much innerwork that people have to do before they parent a child.

[@HelloKittyFreak96]

Motherhood feels heavy, never ending and tired but the love I have for my daughter literally gives me energy to focus on the details and do my best. I would do anything for her and that’s a love I didn’t know I had in me until she came along. She’s my heart outside my body

[@baloneyfoo]

Seriously as a new Mom and someone who’s followed you for years and years I needed this so much. I almost never comment, but I just have to express gratitude for talking about such a vulnerable transition in life. ❤thank you.

[@lebre.]

The storytelling and cinematography!!!! ✨👏

[@shingvang4690]

I’m currently 33 and pregnant with my first baby. The road to parenthood is filled with so much anxiety for me. Thank you for sharing your raw experience. ❤

[@shristib]

I felt the same! My daughter is 2 and a half now and things have gotten better but postpartum can really rock your mental health if you don’t have a good support system. I hope your pregnancy and postpartum is a smooth one!

[@solagratialife]

I was pregnant with my first baby at 39 and gave birth couple of weeks after my 40th birthday. Hard as it is to do, the more you let go of control the smoother things go and your mental health managed better than if you give in to the worries and fears. Congratulations!

[@Anniebeeee247]

You have perfectly described being a new mom!! Took the words right out of my mouth. I was travelling, eating at michelin star restaurants, going out, etc but it all started to meld together and I couldn't hold specific memories of many things I was doing. Then we had our daughter and BAM, new life is breathed into everything around me. Love this video

[@nomadnatasha]

Thanks for sharing Jenn, you put so much heart and soul into your work. One day, I'm so excited to be a mom but some part of me is afraid to be "invisible" once I have my child. I love my career and the life I have now so the thought of change can be scary. This new perspective gave me a lot of insight!

[@feedevelyn]

As someone who is absolutely frightened of having kids and believe I don’t have a single maternal bone in my body … your video made me reconsider. It’s refreshing to view your transparent perspective. Thank you for sharing, as always ❤

[@boatlifedoctormom]

I ❤ this video. I did an intense residency and a fellowship in epilepsy surgery but after I had my son all I wanted to do was to be present for him. It was and is such a struggle, the mom guilt and career. Just like you my most precious thing in my life is my son. I’ve been watching your videos since 2011, I got married in 2017 and my son is 5 now and I’ve enjoyed your content in this parallel journey. Thank you for articulating it all so well.

[@tgrrl5]

i really love the way you've been formatting videos lately! it feels like education like also feeling attention grabbing and real.

[@EmilyFangYuanyuan]

I’m 38 this year, and for most of my life, I’ve resisted having children because I haven’t been happy in my role as a daughter. I’ve always doubted whether I could be a good mom (I might be a control freak😂, haha). But seeing how your joy has transformed into true happiness over the years makes me genuinely happy for you! Wishing you all the best-you’re truly amazing!❤

[@sleeplessfarewells]

it was because of your motherhood + pregnancy videos i didn't feel soo alone when i jumped into it a year and a half ago. thanks so much for making the journey so relatable, because me and my husband don't have a village and have to do so much alone. it's been the most amazing experience so far and i so look forward to when our son gets even older and we can share new things with him.

[@celinepope]

Im a nanny, and I love the child I care for. But I never want kids of my own. I just know it's not my journey. I am certified in child development, and I adore children. Just having a child is not for me. I want my mother in law to understand but I doubt she will.

[@rmmr1168]

No one needs to understand but you boo.

[@summeryafi5148]

she’ll let the idea of it go eventually, keep ur head up

[@melissapthai]

4:34 "Your kids will bring a light to yourself... like one long acid trip" most prolific quote about parenthood i've ever heard 🤣

[@maryannepadel4442]

Jen!! please write a book.. you're an amazing story teller!

[@darcives]

yess

[@Zetta333]

I’m not a mother and don’t plan to be, but I still love your perspective and this video was awesome!

[@divinelyguidedalways]

Hey Jenn, Thank you so much for this video. Parenthood seems overwhelming. This really helps! You are an amazing Mom, your son would be so proud of you.

[@ensignquinones8300]

Jenn, it's amazing. From watching your make-up tutorials for my prom to now watching this video about motherhood, I still trust your opinions. I still get excited every time I see a new video. I got married 6 months ago, and I'm waiting patiently to be a mom. 😊❤

[@bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbee]

as someone taking up early childhood education, THANK YOU JENN for that beautifully written spiel on KZbin Kids. grown ups really need to start protecting children from those types of videos.

[@irisr3898]

That was my reaction as well. Even though I was married (5 years in) it was so refreshing seeing that it’s ok to not have the “jumping for joy” reaction. Thank you for your vulnerability and helping us feel validated.

[@miahuertas8012]

This is the kind of content creator that imparts a lesson from your own experiences we should all support and invest our freetime in. I’m no longer interested in vloggers that just shows their everyday life as is and those vain haul vlogs that just influences other mothers to buy useless stuff online. We should dig this kind of content! Thank you Jenn for putting in so much effort and wisdom on all your recent vlogs especially this one. I learned so much from it and looking forward for more.

[@__linnduhh]

The last minute of the video is by far my favorite part of your video Jenn! I too had tunnel vision and did not see babies/kids/parents around me prior to having kids. And now I have three! You’re absolutely right, I now sympathize and have so much love for any parent/child who comes along my way LOL 🥰🥹😆

[@shannonk7812]

I love that you are able to frame being a mother in a positive light, and this may be an unpopular opinion but I wish you stated more of the negatives and hardships of being a mother as well so we get the other side.

[@tigerpandarabbit]

Does anyone struggle with climate anxiety, over what children might experience in terms of extreme weather, water wars, mass extinction of animals / human climate migration, and so on? That's the thing I really struggle with when I think about how I could enjoy my life with a child. Because I don't feel as one person I'm going to change any of this, and that most parents actually check out of such topics (very understandable, too) rather than become more involved than their previous selves, like Jenn. Genuinely interested in how people deal with this, from a very non-judgemental place.

[@StephWorth1808]

you mean like humans have been doing since the beginning of time?

[@EllenDocker]

7:41 pregnant with my second and crying because up to this point you have beautifully articulated why having children is completely worth it

[@theunbrokenpiece]

I absolutely love that you take your time to produce content now and came back with an outstanding cinematic superb storytelling about something so important - reflection on parenthood. I will always look forward to your takes on different phases of life which im slowly following after ❤

[@allisonmyers5874]

Thank you for this! I gave birth 3 month ago and it’s crazy how much your life both changes and doesn’t change in such a short span of time. Your pregnancy announcement video really helped me accept all the emotions that come along with finding out. I wasn’t immediately excited and felt so seen in seeing your reaction ❤ now that I’m a mama I love it and her so so much.

[@puruen]

I want to mention that your previous parenting videos really helped me a lot- i watched it over and over. It made me feel like Im not alone. Forever grateful

[@jackiec860]

I love you so much Jenn. You have been my online big sister and I'm so grateful and proud to see the way you have developed.. you inspire me. Thank you for sharing as you do.

[@ZaieN13]

Same experience for me when I found out I was pregnant. Anxiety and shame because I wasn't married yet. Not exactly a positive experience for me but my daughter is a blessing and I'm glad I have her.

[@itsphuongly]

My baby is 3, and i never regret taking almost 1 year not working to focus on her ❤

[@EllenDocker]

14:13 yes!!!!!! I love this KZbin kids section. You are so so right

[@Jordè1222]

Good slow cartoons free on KZbin; Little Bear, Franklin, Bearinstein Bears, Magic Schoolbuss, Leo the Truck, Curious George, Wild Kratz. Shows like these in moderation can be a nice break for parents and you don't have to worry so much about your child's dopamine being fried like with coco mellon! Also nature documentaries are great with Steeve Irwin and Coyote Peterson! If you have any more suggestions please add to the list :)

[@tamraya23]

Pocoyo, Sarah and Duck, Miffy and Friends, Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom

[@luhannatalie]

so proud of you! Lennon is so loved! as a fellow petite girl I would also love to know where you're jeans are from

[@ellengraceroxas3628]

This is so true and so relatable… I just love the look in my child’s eyes the first time he experiences something and you just can’t explain the love you feel for them! I didn’t know my heart could love this much..

[@simplyashleyseol]

The narrative and editing reminds me of something you’d see in a movie 🍿 love this Jenn!

[@nicolesoliven276]

Much needed. Thank you for sharing your thoughts - wisdom - on motherhood. All of the things I’ve grappled with for the last 2.5 years or so in this life-altering change, you summed it up perfectly. What a crazy ride it is, and worth everything! ❤

[@RhianneLaventure]

I am 3 weeks postpartum with my first baby and obviously in the thick of a huge transition but I already relate to everything you are saying. It started for me in pregnancy, I started seeing people from a different, more compassionate perspective and and the world, especially because I have a daughter. I want to make this world better for her. I want to cherish these moments with her being so little but I can't wait to watch her grow.

[@purple2456]

jenn try doing funny short skits with your friends. but about things that are relevant in your life (e.g., la culture, Korean culture, dating, friendships aspects).

[@wannnnah]

I’m glad you recognized the aunties and uncles! There’s not enough love shared for them. Especially ones that are chosen family, no obligation just pure joy and love! I’d never felt that instinct to have my own kids, and I’m so grateful that I get enormous fulfillment and connection with the little ones in my life! My 2 yr old niece and 3 yr old nephew are my besties 🤍 it also makes me feel good to see my husband be an amazing uncle, I often feel guilt for not wanting what most people do. Thank you for also speaking on the purpose portion, I’m in community health work and helping people and improving myself are my purposes :)

[@kimberlyduarte9371]

Jenn 🥺 this was the perfect video! I’ve been watching you since 2015?? and it’s like we grew up together.. i have my 6 month old daughter now and it’s a fog.. thank you for being so real always 🤍

[@chiaradelia829]

Thank you as a young woman I feel like seeing this type of narratives around parenting and motherhood is so so important ❤ hope to be a parent to one day! 😊

[@AmallieGames]

I was definitely the panicked woman when I saw the 2 lines. When I found out I was pregnant my boyfriend had just moved in with me 5 months before. In those 5 months, a handyman had caused our kitchen ceiling to collapse and an F2 tornado hit our house. Literally everything was chaos. Also, my boyfriend was on a trip when I did the pregnancy test (I should have waited but I felt so sick and had missed my period so I had to know). It was the worst timing, but now 2 years later our son is so precious and we're better people and a stronger couple for supporting eachother through this. But it has not been easy and often it hasn't been fun lol.

[@milikoshki]

this was a super engaging edit :) also I started watching you back in the 2010s as a lonely college kid in my dorm, seeing you in baggy jeans is a trip lol

[@sanaamin5651]

Finally someone who shares the positives of parenting along with accepting it's challenges ❤

[@321leigh321]

Beautiful and artistic storytelling. You took a common youtube subject, and made it SO unique. Loved this.

[@fireflythinking1290]

Idk if I ever want kids (I'm 25) but for me the best part would be seeing them enjoy everything for the first time, to create magic and fun playtime for them !

[@lakosynk]

I wasn’t ready for sure especially not knowing that I would face it as a single mom 😕mentally and emotionally hard. But I’m willing to push through it for the sake of my baby a year now ❤

[@deartincagayatE]

It is so true, no one is ever ready!!!! YOU ARE AN AMAZING MAMA! BEING A MAMA is TOUGH, but we are here to help one another.!

[@dib327]

Still taking betterhelp sponsors after the controversy?

[@modernlywild]

What was the controversy

[@diegaah]

Yes she is, and I think that’s wonderful it works for some :)

[@angieluis2011]

funny how you just commented to judge, one of the many reasons that actually lead people to therapy.... ironic! 😏

[@sofiassr]

I have followed you for sooooo long (used to watch your outfit videos) and have actually grown up with you, and I'm now also a mom of a 2 yo girl ❤ I must say your videos just keep getting better, I don't know how you do it, but just keep doing it for as long as you enjoy, because they are TOTALLY worth it! 🙏 I was wondering if you use a specific app or page for TV cartoons that are not so overstimulating! thank you!!

[@rebeccascheiris4944]

I struggled so much with the consequences of choices in the beginning. Our baby would be sleeping and I would decide to get up and he'd wake up sometimes, so I had to make a choice to accept whatever happened because I couldn't control the result and that was a hard pill to swallow for someone who loves control. One night, rocking would work. The next, it wouldn't. It gets easier as you go because you get to know your child and they grow, but man, accepting that I just had to take a chance and sometimes it would work, but it wasn't the end of the world if it didn't, was so hard.

[@webgirl]

The beginning feels like an indie movie Jenn. I’m sobbing. Thank you for always helping me in every era of my life. ❤

[@Abiasnail]

First time viewer here - this video was joyous and brought a big smile to my face. I have had many similiar experiences since becomeing a parent. Learning how to lean on friends/family has been a big one for me too - and one I was suprised to enjoy, having spent my whole life trying to never need help!

[@MalinaCC]

Only a minute or so in and I just gotta comment on the creativity of this video!! There’s a concept called matrescence that’s often not talked about (the term for the physical, emotional, hormonal, and social transition that a person goes through when they become a mother/parent) and that is what comes to me while watching your video. I’m approaching my 30s and becoming parents is on the horizon for my husband and I now that we’ve basically accomplished what we’ve wanted in our 20s. I have gone through and done many hard things I’ve never thought I could do or get through but when I did, I learned so much and became so empowered and even closer to my people because of it. I know having a child is hard af but a massive part of the human journey of life we want to take and experience. You seem like you have so much energy and clarity on the life you want to live now at this stage of motherhood which is amazing ❤. I love your perspective and appreciate you sharing your thoughts.

[@huyenbui520]

I love this video so much! You really hit the nail on the head here, and everything was so well articulated. Parenthood is incredibly special, and nothing can ever fully prepare us for it. We just have to live through it and learn as we go. Ever since I gave birth, I have felt an immense responsibility to be the best mother to our children because they are the future. It's the most important and the most rewarding job in the world, in my opinion. ❤ Thank you for sharing this video! Your storytelling and editing skills are top-notch! 🙌

[@GoingScuba]

So glad I’m going through motherhood around a similar time as you, Jenn! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on parenthood thus far. Feeling every word! What a wonderful video to mark your reflections on motherhood so far. It’s been amazing following your journey.

[@samanthahu4803]

this was an amazing and accurate depiction of it all. my girl just turned a year and a half and what you described is spot on ❤. oh and your voice reminds me of lindsey lohan haha

[@zingara76]

All my life I been a career women. My career has come first, however now that I’m a mom I quit my job to be home with my baby. I know my finances are going to be affected, but right now this is more important for me. Thanks for the video

[@Esssssy]

uploaded one day ago??? this was a coincidental watch that popped on my feed. so profound and timely as I approach motherhood inshallah. thank you for this real and raw video ❤

[@Ariadne-n2r]

I'm really proud of being a mom, it's a new and amazing journey🎉❤

[@sujanijayaram5272]

Amazing editing and video Quality !!! Very Nice, Proud of your work and growth

[@jadealexismorter4567]

As a career driven, type a who grew up with fertility concerns and is now 6 months pregnant unexpectedly, this was PERFECT timing. Thanks Jenn

[@maikendao]

Thank God that you’ve found such a good place in parenting! I remember my heart ached when I saw your reaction to your pregnancy test. Isnt that funny, how we can be so scared of one of the best gifts we can have in our life. Parenting is such a humbling and rewarding experience, and its the best job in the world ❤

[@etoile.2154]

Thank you so much for sharing with us, Jenn!!✨ It must be not easy to speak out your thoughts like this. Not thinking of having a child yet but since my surroundings are starting to have children, it was really a sensitive subject and your voice spoke to me. much Love from your Japanese girlie

[@21shinaicox]

My son is 3 now too and I’ve been experiencing motherhood the same time as you so its been so nice going through everything with you 💛 I’ve been watching you since your college fashion days and have been growing along side with you. You are an incredible mom and love your real and raw perspective on motherhood. I can 100% relate! Thank you Jenn for sharing 💕🫶🏼

[@kdramaaddiction]

me too. I appreciate you so much Jenn! shoutout to our September 2021 little ones 🥰

[@laurenesquivel]

Thank you for this video, Jenn! Much needed this week. Completely agree about overstimulating kid's programs. The PBS Kids app is free and has a lot of great content for littles. It's go to in our household.

[@AbiTheEngineer]

This is such an interesting perspective. I personally have made a decision to not have kids as I don't really find meaning in that . I think people can derive meaning from many things in life. Nevertheless, I enjoyed hearing about your perspective on motherhood

[@AlexandraZiscovici]

I think the quality of your videos has changed in the better since your baby. Your wisdom is different and you can tell from your older work. I love your Virgo advice

[@Cookerywithyu]

This is one of the bestt video of explaining of parenthood. And also the storytelling was another levell , love you babe, you are doingg awesome ❤

[@serapia1976]

i really like cinematography of this video, it's like a john green documentary ahaha

[@helenatube]

I'm not even a parent, and I love these kinds of videos. This type of heart-to-heart, insightful content on being human is so refreshing and needed on the Internet. Thank you for being an awesome source of content after all these years, despite the challenges parenthood posed upon your ability to KZbin. I will keep watching for as long as you make content like this.

[@mari5521]

Im glad you are enjoying motherhood. I am a mom of a 2.5y/o. You mentioned you are more aware now of the challenges Lennons generation will face. You mentioned KZbin Kids. Love that! Maybe you could also do a full video about the challenges Lennons generation will face? Use your Platform Jenn. The planet is burning. They wont have the same privileges we have. Well... maybe you guys will... but not everyone.

[@virginiawu2896]

Jenn, I love your movie directing style. So impressive!!

[@bwassttacks6848]

Daniel Tiger (shown during the KZbin Kids section) isn’t behind a paywall, to any parents/caretakers out there the PBS app is free and has soooo many quality kids shows. There’s some weirdly animated stuff on there too but overall it’s a great free resource. I really appreciate Jenn speaking out against the cursed AI generated garbage targeted towards kids that is overly prevalent on KZbin.

[@autumnnlynn2323]

Very well articulated! I truly resonated with your raw, in depth insight into parenthood. We need more of this!

[@LoveNotesTo]

We were pregnant around the same time and your videos were so helpful during that journey. Loving this new form of storytelling! ❤

[@odallisvlogs]

I just wanted to say thank you for posting this and even your pregnancy videos. My bean was born in July and those videos really prepared me and also made me feel normal because of how I was feeling! Breastfeeding was tough!!!!! Now it’s better! But what you talked about in your postpartum videos really helped me!! Thanks so much Jenn!! 💕

[@jikwon36]

안녕하세요, 젠 언니 저는 한국에 사는 11개월 딸래미를 키우고 있는 평범하지만 꿈 많은 93년생 엄마에요. 정말 오래전부터 언니의 비디오를 보면서 응원하면서도 질투하고 비판하면서도 부러워 했어요. 20대 풋풋한 (이제는 촌스러워 보이는) 언니의 메이크업 튜토리얼, 옷 브랜드를 런칭하고 강연 다닐때, 결혼했을때.. 영상으로만 접하는 모습이지만 항상 밝고 친근한 모습에 그만 내적 친밀감이 생겨버렸어요.ㅎㅎ 그리고 저는 일상에 지쳐 언니의 영상을 소홀히 본 시기가 있었지만 언니가 우연히 엄마가 되었다는 영상을 보고 정말 놀랐어요. 저도 작년 4월 남자친구와 갑작스런 임신으로 인해 결혼을 했고, 지금은 11개월의 딸을 키우고 있습니다. 저도 정말 예상치 못한 임신이었기 때문에 많은 감정들이 오고갔어요. 저는 외국생활을 오래하며 심한 우울증으로 모든 자신감을 잃었고 앞으로의 삶에 대해 제대로 생각할 수 없었어요. 하지만 아기 엄마가 된 지금 저는 제 딸에게 누구보다 강하고 현명하고 사랑이 넘치는 사람입니다. 이 영상의 너무나 많은 부분이 공감됩니다. 저는 아기를 키우면서 세상에서 가장 강한사람이 되었어요. 아침에 규칙적으로 일어나 힘든 내색 없이 딸에게 사랑한다 말하고 힘껏 안아주고, 이유식 먹이고, 노래 부르며 제 딸이 기운넘치고 행복한 하루가 될 수 있도록 노력합니다. 가끔씩 우울증으로 힘들때의 기억이 떠오를 때엔 딸의 무조건적인 행복을 생각하며 잊어버려요. 레논에게 마지막으로 칫솟질해주고 잠 잘때 엄마를 찾는게 마지막일수 있다는 생각.. 정말 공감되고 슬프지만 아기엄마로써 모두가 하는 생각이지 않을까 싶어요. 정말 하루하루가 소중해요. 딸아이의 표정, 옹알이, 몸짓으로 엄마는 아이의 감정, 정서를 해석하고 무엇이 필요할지 짐작하게 되죠. 육아에 대한 공부도 많이 하게되요! 정말 parenthood이란 실제로 겪어봐야 이해하고 공감하는 것 같네요. 저도 만약 결혼 전 이 영상을 봤다면, 공감은 커녕 과장하고 무슨 푸념을 들어놓나 했을거에요. 앞으로도 소중한 레논과 언니의 인생에 많은 행복이 있길 바랍니다. 한국에 팬미팅이라도 안하시나요?ㅎㅎ 단 한번이라도 실제로 보고, 같은 세대의 엄마로써 얘기 듣고 싶어요. 무엇보다도 같은 엄마로써 지금까지 정말 고생했고 앞으로도 고생하자 하며 서로 위로하고 안아주고 싶네요. 앞으로도 건강하고 행복한 나날이 가득하길 바랄게요. 언니에게 세계에 많은 팬들이 있고 응원하고 있다는 것을 잊지마세요. 앞으로도 좋은영상 많이 기대할게요.

[@sabaitide]

I love the reflections you shared in this video and the cinematography! I'm currently a mommy-to-be and it was encouraging to hear what you have learned so far from being a parent ☺

[@dmtjdubs4]

I loved this video! You hit the nail on the head with all of it! My son just started getting into Ms Rachel (finally), but I hate some of the autoplay options. I realized today that it is because they are all AI generated! I will gladly pay for Ms Rachel, Tab Time, or Gracie's Corner if they asked. It also helped me feel better about my career. They say it takes 2-5 years to feel like "yourself" again after having a child, so I'm just riding this wave of life the best I can.

[@AllThingsGina]

Absolutely love the creative approach of this video

[@isagoldfield7393]

Being a mom is the hardest job I’ve done in my entire life, the 24/7 worrying & thinking is he going to be ok…….?!!?*

[@chodingkng4637]

im learning so much from you, always feel like you’re my sister from YT🥹💕 im sure lennon would so proud to have you as a mom💕💕

[@samirah278]

I love this positive outlook you have on motherhood! I want to be a mother too one day but it also really scares me

[@likhangkarma]

4:15 so relatable, my kids made me care about the longevity of my life too

[@RelaceHawaii]

I really love this video! Thank you for sharing such valuable insights with us aspiring parents.

[@azyz1699]

I needed to hear this. U truly spoke my mind, my heart. Everything I cant put into words ❤

[@zanesustika1885]

Thank you for sharing it ❤ I have two kids 7 and 6 years old And it's been and still have challenging

[@claudiajade624]

For me the crash into parenthood and maternity leave was one thing. I really enjoyed it on the whole, especially near the end of the 3.5 months I felt like really hit my stride. The going back to work tho, was really challenging. I think it was personally too early. I was really uncertain about a job I was previously confident about, and I was pretty preoccupied with just thinking about and missing my baby. Luckily I was able to take a month off of rec leave soon after, and coming back after that (closer to the 6 month mark) I felt much more ready and capable. Now although it is obvs also challenging I actually really like the balance of being a working mum. Going to work is a break from home and mum life, and going home is a break from work.

[@neyusong]

4:19 i hope people don't misunderstand this joke because if you are having a child solely for self development then you probably shouldn't be a parent LOL

[@Pepepipipopopupu]

I can relate to this video so much, beautifully made and well written. Thank you Jenn for sharing. ❤

[@Elodie-g7n]

Love your motherhood related content Jen. So helpful and relatable x.

[@shellbellhealing]

Parenting with a chronic illness and remembering all my trauma since my children turned 4/5 has been very tough. I love them so much but I feel guilty all the time bc my energy levels and attention span is low. Ive spent a LOT of time on inner work to try and be the best for them but still think im failing. The truth is I wish I was normal and it hurts that im not.

[@msschenn]

I love your videos Jen! And hearing you u talk, your thoughts and feelings definitely come through !