As a mom, I once believed that I would have a deep understanding of my children’s personalities and quirks. After all, I’m their mother—how could they possibly keep secrets from me? I figured I’d watch them grow and, over time, learn everything there was to know about them. But, as I quickly learned, parenthood is full of surprises. Children are not simply extensions of us; they are independent individuals with their own unique thoughts, likes, and dislikes, often completely different from what we expect.
In reality, parenting is a journey of continuous discovery. And even though we may believe we know our kids inside and out, they still manage to surprise us in the most unexpected ways.
1. The Football Fan Who Wasn’t Supposed to Be
My husband and I have never been particularly interested in football. We don’t watch it, we don’t play it, and frankly, it’s never been something that sparked our enthusiasm. So, when it came to raising our kids, we assumed they’d feel the same way. We didn’t actively introduce them to football, nor did we encourage it. In fact, we might have even unknowingly discouraged it. But children, as I’ve come to realize, are their own little people, with minds and preferences of their own.
To my surprise, our youngest son, LP, developed a love for football from a young age. I first noticed his interest when he was around four years old. Now, at eight, he not only plays football with his friends but also attends an after-school club and even talks about watching games on TV. This wasn’t something I ever anticipated, and I can’t help but laugh at myself for being so naive. Recently, he told us he wants a football kit to wear during his after-school sessions, something I never thought we’d need. It turns out that even without our influence, his passion for the sport has grown into something quite unexpected.
2. Uncovering Hidden Writing Talent
While football was an unexpected surprise, this next discovery felt a little more natural, yet still caught me off guard in its intensity. As a writer myself, I spend a lot of time at my computer, tapping away at the keys. My children have always been aware of my love for writing, and I often share my projects with them. So, when my eldest son, BP, started showing an interest in writing, I wasn’t entirely shocked.
However, what did surprise me was the level of talent he exhibited. BP has been writing short stories over the past few months, and I must say, I was blown away by his natural ability. He has an ease with words that I can only envy, and his writing style has an expressive quality that I admire. Yes, I’m a little biased as his mother, but I truly believe he has a gift for storytelling. Though he’s still young, his ability to conjure vivid images with his words shows incredible potential. It’s a reminder that children can surprise us with talents we never saw coming, and it’s exciting to watch them nurture their skills as they grow.
3. Growing Up Too Fast, But Still a Child at Heart
Another thing I’ve learned as a parent is how easy it is to forget that our children are still just that—children. It’s so tempting to focus on how quickly they’re growing and to expect them to act “mature” as they get older. But in doing so, we sometimes overlook the fact that they still need the freedom to be children.
Take LP, for example. He often surprises me with how mature he seems for his age. At eight, he can engage in intelligent conversations about economics and math, and sometimes, it feels like he has the wisdom of someone much older. But then, he’ll completely surprise me by pulling out his toy cars or playing with his teddy bears. Yes, LP, my “mature” son, still finds comfort in his stuffed animals and loves to create games with them. It’s moments like these that remind me how important it is to let him be a child for as long as possible.
Similarly, BP, though now a teenager, still has moments where he clings to his childlike wonder. While his emotions have become more complicated, and his outbursts are more intense, he still enjoys playing board games with his younger brother or curling up on the couch to watch a movie. In the hustle and bustle of growing up, it’s easy to forget that they still need those moments of play and relaxation.
4. The Surprising Depth of Their Emotions
As much as we think we know our children, there are times when their emotions can still take us by surprise. BP, now 13, has entered the world of teenage hormones, which can be confusing and intense. One day he’s thrilled about a new video game, and the next, he’s devastated by a falling-out with a friend or a crush. Parenting a teenager can be challenging, especially when it feels like their emotions are constantly shifting.
But the surprising thing is how open BP still is with us, despite the emotional rollercoaster that comes with adolescence. He may not always express himself perfectly, but there are moments when he opens up about his struggles, his dreams, and even his fears. I didn’t expect him to be so vulnerable as he navigates this stage of life, but it’s these moments of honesty that remind me how important it is to stay connected with my children, no matter their age.
5. What I’ve Learned About Myself as a Parent
All these surprises—from LP’s football obsession to BP’s talent for writing and his emotional depth—have taught me something important as a mother: I can never truly know everything about my children. And that’s okay. They are their own people, and part of the beauty of parenting is watching them grow, change, and surprise us in ways we never expected.
Being a parent isn’t about having all the answers or always being in control. It’s about learning alongside them, understanding that they will continue to evolve, and embracing the surprises that come along the way. So, the next time your child surprises you with something completely unexpected, take a moment to appreciate the uniqueness of who they are. After all, those surprises are what make parenting such an incredible journey.