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Exhaustion -

Babies don't care about your sleeping schedule! When they need your help, you will know about it. This can lead to unusual sleeping hours and an overwhelming exhaustion.

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Identity -

Many people's identity is linked with what they do for a living. However, if parenting is your full-time job, you can sometimes lose a sense of who you are.

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Going out -

Your baby cannot be left alone. Therefore, going out, even if it's just to a nearby store, becomes far more of a complicated matter than it was when you only had yourself to worry about.

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Breastfeeding -

Additionally, there can be a shaming culture surrounding breastfeeding in public. Thankfully, this is changing in many places, but it still exists.

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Relatability -

People without children always get angry if a kid is kicking up a fuss on public transport, or in a supermarket. This is why it's often easier for young parents to make friends with people in similar circumstances.

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Pressure -

There is always a lot of pressure to be a perfect parent. People can be very judgmental about the behavior of a parent, and judgment can be internalized to the point of unreachable expectations for yourself. 

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Unsolicited advice -

Some advice is very useful. Other advice is completely unwanted. As a new parent, you are often subjected to both, frustratingly.

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Responsibility -

Being a parent isn't a game. You are responsible for a life. This little life is completely vulnerable and entirely dependent on your care. Scary! 

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Postpartum depression -

The anxiety and sadness that can come with postpartum depression is a very serious matter, and it's much more common than you think.  

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Support system -

Some people have parents, siblings, and friends in close proximity that can offer a support system. For those who don't have this, however, life can be very challenging!

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Crying -

Babies cry, it's a fact of life. But when it is happening around the clock, it can really test your patience. All you can do is be patient and tend to your baby's needs.

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Diapers -

Assuming there is a working partner in the relationship, they ought to do their fair share on their days off, and whenever they are home in general. But the stay-at-home parent will need to change more diapers overall!

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Lunch -

Having a lunch break at work is very important, as it divides the day, and allows you to unwind for an hour or so. Stay-at-home parents don't have this luxury.

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Income -

Going from a two-income household to just one-income can be stressful. Some people will find it easier than others, depending on their financial situation, but it can be an extra weight to carry.

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Drinks -

A stay-at-home parent doesn't have the freedom to go out for drinks with colleagues after work. This can lead to frustration, and difficulty in maintaining close friendships.

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No co-workers -

Being a stay-at-home parent means that for the most part, you are out on your own. Sure, you can pick up the phone and perhaps you are lucky enough to have family around with a lot of free time, but it's different.

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Sick days -

If you are too sick to go to work, you can take the day off. A parent, however, does not have this as a choice. You have to just get on with things, and hope that your baby doesn't catch your illness!

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Childcare costs -

Childcare can sometimes prove to be unaffordable, which can make things very difficult. Some people won't be able to manage.

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Complaining -

It's a very natural thing to be frustrated about day-to-day annoyances, but because society views parenthood in a different way, people can be quite judgmental about a parent who complains.

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Adult conversation -

You may well find yourself missing the normal, adult conversation that you were once so accustomed to. A child's company is adorable, but it's not the same.

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Relaxing -

Something as simple as being able to relax and watch a TV show that isn't for children can prove challenging. And when you do get the chance, you may find yourself too tired to concentrate!

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Loneliness -

It's easy to forget that a very young child isn't a substitute for adult company. Therefore, a parent may find themselves increasingly lonely. This is why joining parent and baby classes is often a good idea.

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Arguments -

If you haven't been a stay-at-home parent, it might be hard to fully empathize with their concerns, which can lead to arguments and resentment between partners. 

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Similarity -

If each day seems incredibly similar to the one that preceded it, this can become extremely dull and frustrating.

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Distance -

The different experiences of parenthood may result in a noticeable amount of distance in your relationship, which clashing expectations of intimacy. 

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Finances -

In very bad circumstances, the working parent may become resentful and resort to financial abuse, withholding money from the stay-at-home parent. 

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Fathers -

There are still some old-fashioned prejudices towards stay-at-home fathers. Thankfully, this is changing, but it still affects some men who have chosen the unpaid labor. 

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Multitasking -

Learning to do several things simultaneously is often essential for a new parent. This is a useful skill to learn, but it can be exhausting!

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Asking for help -

Sometimes, things will just get too much, and you will need to ask for help. This is perfectly normal, but it can still be hard to muster the courage to ask. 

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Assumptions -

It is wildly irritating when, after all the unpaid work you do, others still believe that you have an easy life. The best thing to do is to rise above this sort of talk, and not to let it bother you so much. It will be difficult, but possible!

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