What many of us don’t think about when we look at a parent in the street is how their lives and outward appearance have changed since taking on the responsibility of having kids. What were they into and what did they do to pass the time in their own joyous youth? What did they look like before they chose to follow the parental path? We may not have given it much thought but now, you will become more aware of how it all goes down! [post_page_title] #1 Posing Isn't As Easy [/post_page_title] Getting photos together all dressed up at a wedding or out on the town pre-debauchery as a couple is paramount of prolific as taking a breath these days. Pre-parenting, you'll find it easy. Post-parenting? Well... [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/B0ZcD8cAgWb/ [/MediaContent] This couple's comparison says it all really. It's all well and good when the little sprog co-operates... eventually. It's a long way to snap when your child pulls your hair, bada-da baa. [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #2 Relaxation Doesn't Necessarily End [/post_page_title] It is true that many believe that any sort of "you time" and recreation ends when you have a little of tiny humans and to be fair, it is common for these people to be right, however, below you shall see something quite the opposite. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/B2wiupngZO8/ [/MediaContent] This dad may have had a long road unto his eventual R&R but despite traversing what seems like a minefield of his toddler's possessions, he has made it. Good on you sir. [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #3 Party Time With A Twist [/post_page_title] Surrounding yourself with friends and loved ones and a little alco-booze never really gets old but when you become responsible for a growing life, the frequency of when you can do such changes. That and the sort of shindigs you end up attending. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/B0q5XUzgu4r/ [/MediaContent] "We're still cool, we still go to parties." [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #4 Lamenting A Past Life [/post_page_title] Have you ever wondered what parents think about when they are palm deep in whatever surprise their bundle of joy has left them or when their toddlers are running around screaming and smearing paint everywhere? [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/B3IsQZVACQj/ [/MediaContent] This, it is very much sometimes, a lot of the time, maybe all of the time, this. [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #5 Sunbathing Destinations Are Altered [/post_page_title] Relaxing in the hot sun in your holidays, vacation or simply a day off is often bliss and vitamin D is there for you. Vitamin doesn't discriminate, it will always be there for you. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/B0zlKSHAiVJ/ [/MediaContent] This dad knows this and is living it, the setting might be a little off the interruptions more frequent but hey! The rays are being caught. [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #6 Heavy Lifting Is Significantly More Sentient [/post_page_title] When you're sat there smiling, grinning maybe, having a good time and the hardest thing you have to lift is your drink then you're laughing, laughing away at how easy it all is. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/B0CvFSoAcEL/ [/MediaContent] This parent not only looks exactly the same and just as happy but is doing an amazing job at her next weight-level. Keep going, they only get heavier! [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #7 Drinking Buddies Come and Go But Some You Help Grow [/post_page_title] Uni, work, old friends, life has no shortage of those we drink with. It's often the best way to relax enjoy the company of those we value the most. And that is exactly the sentiment of this next parent. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BzYcjcAgz5Z/ [/MediaContent] I hope they are still drinking together in twenty years, hopefully with different cups... [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #8 Selfies, Selfies Are Never The Same [/post_page_title] Regardless of your opinion the selfie craze of the last decade, it's a thing, and it's never going away. In most instances of indeed most things, said things become easier things or do they. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BzL-QHygR-T/ [/MediaContent] I'm sure this started out well, a lovely photo with Mother and child. I'm it STARTED well. Black dress to tasty white mess. [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #9 Enthusiasm Is Harder to Maintain [/post_page_title] I'm told time and time again that in the end, after all the hardship, that parenting is the most rewarding thing you can do. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/B1tp8ZnggND/ [/MediaContent] I believe it is eventually, but this mother clearly has a long way to go! Hang in there, the sleep will be waiting for you. [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #10 Here We Are Again, 'I Just Wanted A Nice Photo' [/post_page_title] "Maybe we should get a photo of me and the baby, just like that time when I was-" [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxxdn6dh4Rk/ [/MediaContent] So how did that go, Sarah? Babies: tiny photo-ruiners in cute clothing. [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #11 Keeping Things Close [/post_page_title] This man had a passion for music. But as you grow, things change and you begin to nurture different things. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BxshKeFB3ES/ [/MediaContent] It's not all bad, your favorite things just change. [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #12 She's off! [/post_page_title] There she is, on the left looking forward to her holidays or maybe a romantic getaway. The housework is done, everything packed, a smile on her face - boom! [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BxgISLZhT8h/ [/MediaContent] Shes off! One more lap of the house to go. Can her navigator make it to the finish line before naptime?! [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #13 Photographic Evidence Of Your Life Is Less Carefree [/post_page_title] On the top deck, this man couldn't have a care in the world. Anyone checking his Facebook, Insta or whatever would see this and think, "Oh lucky him!" [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BxaZtdgBDl5/ [/MediaContent] Now, a few years, onlookers gaze at the lower photo and think, "Hmmmmm" *pause* "OMG POOR HIM!" Father: "Please just a two-minute reprieve, PLEASE!" [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #14 Sometimes, You Just Keep Smiling [/post_page_title] From smiling while having a little blow-out, throwing shapes and have a good time to the happiest day of his life. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw28kV_hMfE/ [/MediaContent] Sometimes the smiles keep coming and the shapes are passed down to the next generation who will throw them with even more vigor! Throw well baby-human, throw well. [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #15 That Idea We had Once [/post_page_title] This next entry is another occupational hazard of motherhood. Hat's off to you madame but what that face is telling me is the realization that the idea of "having a few kids" seems so much less stressful in the Italian sun. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwpx7mOhZpN/ [/MediaContent] Bloody Romans, what have they ever done for us?! "The Aquaduct" Oh, pipe down! [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #16 Life Of The Party [/post_page_title] This mother may have been the life of the party away in the sun but there was so much more to it than having a little debaucherous fun. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BwpOzPChKYd/ [/MediaContent] Her whole life has lead to this moment and by the heavens, she has smashed it. [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #17 Having Kids Means Getting All Appropriate [/post_page_title] "WHEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY PARTTTTYYYYYYY TIIIMMMEEE! LET'S GET WASTEEEEDDDDDDDDDD!" [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BwXnDuvhBbu/ [/MediaContent] "OHHHHHH IT'S COLD OUT THEREEEEE! BETTER WRAP-UP WARM AND MAKE SURE THE BABY IS NICE AND TOASTIEE!!! MARTURITYYYYYYYYYYY!" Or something like that. [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #18 Always Follow Your Dreams, Literally. [/post_page_title] Taking time for yourself is important and so is sleeping. If you can achieve both of these things in tandem then you're life-ing it just right. Just ask the dog-father. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BwKZMDcDy-U/ [/MediaContent] Parenting may change but mastering self-care alongside caring for those that depend on you is the goal. [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #19 Looking The Money To Looking Spent [/post_page_title] This is another occupational hazard when you're having kids. Time for you becomes not a pass-time but a PAST time. This mother can't even find the time to sleep yet alone look the money anymore. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BwFzZF8DPyg/ [/MediaContent] And you know what, that's ok but please get some sleep! The baby knows! [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #20 From Moosic To Mooooovve [/post_page_title] This dad clearly enjoyed a good ho-down back in the day, but once you have kids, moving to the beat isn't always voluntary. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BvulOV9jhip/ [/MediaContent] Get moooooving pappy. These little cattle-hands will be enjoying their own ho-down once pappa-cow is in the pen. [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #21 Getting Dressed Up Is More Regular [/post_page_title] Getting dressed for a family event or wedding or just for any reason really can leave you with a huge boost to your self-esteem. You feel confident in all your finery and accomplished that what you chose feels good. However, it is also known that kids can be tiny little fashion-gurus. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BvcBmjAjVym/ [/MediaContent] Don't knock it dad-mate, that could be catwalk-chic soon enough! [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #22 Platinum Trophy Father Unit, Well Done [/post_page_title] No caption... [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BvcBmjAjVym/ [/MediaContent] ...needed. *Heartwarming intensifies*. [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #23 Cheap and Cheerful Makeovers [/post_page_title] There's nothing like a clean shave and or beard and hair cut, and I'm sure all men reading this will agree. I'm a bearded man and I look forward to it. This man clearly also prides himself following his regular groom, and when he was told it would soon wind-up cheaper, he was chuffed! [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu4LaLYjd-t/ [/MediaContent] Maybe it was too good to be true, maybe. Perhaps a little more market research wouldn't go a-miss next time, eh? [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #24 When Regicide Extends To Cuddles [/post_page_title] This pooch-hound enjoyed his hegemony of the cuddle-world and clearly never thought it end. But one day, a human-pup was brought over the threshold and into the great hall. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BuwyAKrjweJ/ [/MediaContent] Life doesn't just change for the humans in a family you know. Good luck with the coup pouch-hound. [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #25 Late Nights Are Far More Tame [/post_page_title] Out late, pounding some brews, smashing back a few tinnies, the endless nature of booze-related vernacular goes on but that actual physical act of it all may well change post-sprog. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BuUqo7XjDZi/ [/MediaContent] Your go-to expressions change over time. Unfortunately, that's life. [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #26 Tours Of Duty Never End [/post_page_title] This soldier dad's tour of duty has multiple missions, one after the other in a perpetual cycle and it prompts the question? Which of the two front is the toughest slog? [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BtdzIboDPc_/ [/MediaContent] Likely the latter, but is it the most rewarding? Highly likely. [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #27 Wishful Thinking [/post_page_title] This mother has gone from having her hands full in an advantageous position of care-free anticipation to something else entirely. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BtdzIboDPc_/ [/MediaContent] She has gone from having the wine, to seriously wishing that what is more than likely in that babies under-garments is not a stinky surprise but a delicious boozey one. [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #28 Selfies Require More Organisation [/post_page_title] Taking a selfie sometimes takes a minute or two to get the correct light, angle or location, but generally speaking, with just your or another full-size human, it isn't particularly difficult. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BpUt9TDj_cm/ [/MediaContent] However, as you'd come to expect by now and can clearly see above, it's really not an easy task once the great game that is parenting has begun. [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #29 Altered Pass-Times [/post_page_title] Fishing, a solitary past-time where you spend hours upon hours pursuing your catch of the day. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BpUt9TDj_cm/ [/MediaContent] Parenting, rarely a solitary past-time where you spend hours upon hours being pursued by your catches of the day. [[pagebreak]] [post_page_title] #30 Meal Time Is More Of A Buffet [/post_page_title] Hard day at work? Long day traveling? Absolutely ravenous? There could be a multitude of reasons why you would be looking forward to your lunch or dinner, but when you have children, sadly, your food is almost a point of interest. [MediaContent] https://www.instagram.com/p/BfHB-3-nFb9/ [/MediaContent] The facial expression of this dad may be a half-smile, but I can guess to a very high level of accuracy that seconds or thirds will be on the cards a little further away from his ravenous little vultures.

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