Motherhood is one of the most testing and rewarding of all human relationships. Being a Pakistani mother is a class apart. From teaching you how to walk to holding your hands tracing alif bay pay, from brushing up on algebra just so they can tutor you for the math exam to being one call away when you’re cooking biryani, – Ammis are no less than your own personal superheroes. And that’s one thing that doesn’t change with age.

Here are a few things that Pakistani mothers in their 20’s and 30’s will be able to relate to:

1. You used to be so frantic about your baby.

You watched their every step, looked out for them through every nook and corner. Now, you’re not only trained to handle your nerves, but also enjoy your kids company instead of FREAKING OUT whenever they go out of sight.

2. You used to be super conscious about what to feed your baby.

With time and experience, you’ve mastered the tricks of the trade. The old feeling of uncertainty got replaced by NESTLÉ CERELAC and sooji.

3. You’ve kept that mental poop schedule and worried yourselves sick when the child doesn’t go.

By the time you’re older and wiser, you learn to chill out, just a little.

4. Sitting in the bathroom with your baby while they try to pee.

Sometimes this could take hours and hours. Now, you’ve learned every pee inducing sound on the planet, by heart.

5. You used to be SO OBSESSED with your baby.

Every photo, every video, every sneeze, every word was documented. By the time you’re in your 30’s, you learn to focus more on making memories than capturing them. But you’re still obsessed with that little munchkin (and for good reason).

6. You used to have a perpetual smile plastered all over your face. All. The. Time.

By the time you’re in your 30’s, you know it’s okay to not always put up this pretend-happy cover in front of your kids.

7. Remember when you were the only source of entertainment for your little nugget…

8. And now, you’re finally letting someone else take up that job?

9. You loved keeping up appearances.

Now, you don’t care how bad it looks if you don’t stay make it to your parosi’s engagement. Thank God for that.

10. Now your evening plans constitute this:

11. You used to be annoyed by how messy babies were and how they ruined every outfit you put together.

Now you just have a laugh and forget about these things.

12. It used to bother you seeing your unmarried friends or friends without kids enjoying themselves.

Now, you can’t imagine life without the little ones.

13. Now that you’re older, you think to yourself:

“Mujhe yakeen nahi aaraha yeh itnay baray kesay hogaye?!?! Abhiiiii hee tou tumnay chalna seekha tha.”

14. And yet, you’re stillllllllll watching over them. 

Every step of the way. From teaching them recipes over Skype while they’re off at college or giving them advice about how to make good during a rift with their best friend, you’re their constant support system.

This article is sponsored by NESTLÉ CERELAC Pakistan (6 Months Onwards)

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breast-feeding for the first 6 months. Consult your doctor for advice on when to introduce complementary foods to your baby. Breastfeeding should continue for as long as possible after introduction of complementary foods.