No matter which walk of life you're on at the moment, I think one of life's universal truths is that parenting is one of the most fulfilling and transformative things you can do as a human being. Some people aren't as open to it while others view having kids as an imperative to their adult lives, but we can all agree that nothing is the same once you hold that squishy little one for the first time.
Of course, the changes are way more than skin deep, but that doesn't mean that becoming a mom or a dad has no effect on the way you look. Parenting is full of sleepless nights and stressful days, and when you combine that with the relentless sands of time, it's no surprise that people look a little different after a few years of taking care of their kids. The Instagram page @gottoddlered invited the internet to share their before-and-after photos, and if you're a parent, you might be able to recognize the hollow expressions in each of these parents' eyes.
1. Two years makes a hell of a difference
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BaeWuGsnWyA/?taken-by=gottoddlered]]
2. It turns out, the effects can be cumulative...
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BacxWaCH_t7/?taken-by=gottoddlered]]
3. The despair in her face isn't hard to see
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BaaNkNSnsWv/?taken-by=gottoddlered]]
4. After just four months of parenting, this mom is already hiding under the blankets
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BaZjR8mnkJ5/?taken-by=gottoddlered]]
5. What? This guy improved after having kids!
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BaZUyEFHBj8/?taken-by=gottoddlered]]
6. From clubbing to chaos in just two pictures
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BaZGgt6naPL/?taken-by=gottoddlered]]
7. Oh dear
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BaXc5rXn35R/?taken-by=gottoddlered]]
8. Sometimes, all you can do when you're a parent is glibly accept your fate
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BaWqeq5n6Ua/?taken-by=gottoddlered]]
9. It'll be a while before this mom has personal space once more
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BaUXeopHX9-/?taken-by=gottoddlered]]
10. This guy could not look... uh, happier, to be a dad
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BaT4d3WHKqq/?taken-by=gottoddlered]]
11. Look at how done with life this poor woman is
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BaMtu37nhZe/?taken-by=gottoddlered]]
12. You can just tell this dad has gone through some stuff
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BaMUjVAFH_f/?taken-by=gottoddlered]]
13. Chin up, mommy! At least you have a new selfie buddy...
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BaL-Kdalmvo/?taken-by=gottoddlered]]
14. Sometimes, you just have to drink the stress away...
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BaPKrNaHHDB/?taken-by=gottoddlered]]
15. Here's the one that started it all off! How 10 years makes a difference...
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BaKCcR1lYCo/?taken-by=gottoddlered]]
Okay, parents: I hope you guys got a laugh out of these photos. Just goes to show, really: no matter how bad it gets, it's reassuring to know that there are literally tons of other parents in that same position, and there's no shame in feeling a little exhausted from time to time. You're doing great work bringing up the next generation of wonderful human beings.
Just remember: one day, your kids will be adults , maybe even parents too, and you can have fun watching them suffer like you did.
