The top 50 most challenging things parents have to do

A list of the top 50 most challenging things parents have to do has been released by Dry Nights.

A study of 2,000 mums investigated the most challenging aspects of being a parent, during which three quarters admitted parenthood was more challenging that they thought it would be.

Child Psychologist Emma Kenny says: “There are some challenges you expect when you embark on parenthood, like the sleepless nights and tantrums, but I don’t think anyone can be prepared for how many issues and stressful situations you will face over the years – from the baby and toddler stage and throughout a child’s school life.”

The Top 50 challenges parents face are:

1.      Sleepless nights/sleep deprivation
2.      Tantrums
3.      Having patience
4.      Keeping on top of the household chores
5.      Getting children to eat the right foods
6.      Potty training
7.      Sibling rivalry
8.      Juggling childcare
9.      Give your child what they want without spoiling them
10.  Getting children to clean their teeth properly
11.  Dealing with an ill child
12.  Leaving your baby for the first time
13.  Getting a baby to sleep through the night
14.  Getting a baby/child to sleep at night
15.  Not constantly worrying and wrapping your child in cotton wool
16.  Getting children to do their homework
17.  Encouraging your children to concentrate and work hard at school
18.  Tackling bullying
19.  Going back to work after having a baby
20.  Keeping an eye on your child 24/7
21.  Encouraging your children to be friends with the right crowd
22.  Getting into a routine with a new baby
23.  Trying to keep your children from spending too much time in front of a computer/TV screen
24.  Bed-wetting
25.  Getting a toddler to stay in bed
26.  Getting time off work when your children are ill
27.  Your child’s first day at nursery/pre-school
28.  Your child’s first ever day at school
29.  Teaching them the value of money
30.  Dealing with other people’s opinions on your parenting skills
31.  Having to answer your child’s constant questions, even when you don’t really know the answer
32.  Keeping a lid on bad language
33.  Getting to school on time
34.  Other competitive mums
35.  Helping children to take the right path through their education
36.  Keeping your children in clothes that fit when they outgrow things so quickly
37.  Teaching them that fighting and hitting is wrong
38.  Finding time to do your child’s reading homework every night
39.  Keeping an eye on what your children are looking at online/watching on TV etc
40.  Children sitting exams
41.  Trying to convince doctors to listen and take you seriously
42.  Your child’s first day at secondary school
43.  Leaving your children with a babysitter for the first time
44.  Remembering to fill in all school paperwork
45.  Preventing children from smoking
46.  Explaining birth, life and death
47.  The Birds and the Bees chat
48.  Coping when you’re child’s first pet has died and knowing what to say
49.  Knowing how to react when they use their first swear word
50.  Clingy children