4 moms share things people should do before they become a parent for a fulfilling life

Parenthood is complicated, emotional, and full of lovely moments, but oftentimes they can also be over-encompassing. Though there is always an effort to have a separate identity other than being a mom or dad, there are some things individuals have to give up when they choose to undertake this journey. Therefore, four moms on TikTok are inspiring people to do different things and take risks so that people do not feel they have missed out on anything when they choose to take the plunge into parenthood. The video, uploaded by the joint account of four mothers called @4friendsover40 sharing what they wished to do before becoming parents, has since gone viral with more than 100k comments.

The caption of the video reads, "Facts: Kids change your life! And as a mom, you naturally put a ton (not all, but a ton) of focus on them and their needs. If you plan on having kids someday, here’s some advice for what you might try before you do!" The four friends are laying on a beach when each of them begins mentioning a thing they wish they would have done before bringing their kids into the world.

The chain is started by Terryl, who is 50 years old and a mom of two. She says, "I wish I would have backpacked [through] Europe." She is followed by Erin who also mentions travel as her wish before attaining parenthood, "We're in California. I wish I would've driven all the way down to the tip of Baja, Mexico." Sarah's wish was a bit different as she suggests people have a fun hobby that fulfills their soul. Though people can take up anything, she emphasizes activities like skiing. She adds, "I want to do them all now in my late 40s and my knees, my hip, there are so many things that are so much harder to do in my 40s than they were in my 20s."

Sarah's wish was a bit different as she suggests people have a fun hobby that fulfills their soul. Though people can take up anything, she emphasizes activities like skiing. She adds, "I want to do them all now in my late 40s and my knees, my hip, there are so many things that are so much harder to do in my 40s than they were in my 20s." Jenn wraps it up by asking people to do anything that scares them before becoming parents.

She says this because after becoming parents there is more responsibility on their shoulders and people try not to take many risks. Therefore, her suggestion is to enjoy an adrenaline-filled existence before children come along, granted nobody's heart is broken in the process. These suggestions aim to encourage people to live the best version of their lives both before parenthood and after it.

The comment section was appreciative of the mothers and their suggestions. Many also felt encouraged to pursue their out-of-the-box hobbies before becoming parents. @happilynati shared how she was inspired by the video, "I will be backpacking Europe this summer in your honor, Terryl." @jennifermareaa felt encouraged by the suggestions and commented, "I’m 24. You guys make me feel so good because everything I’m doing is terrifying rn. I just moved to a new country. Maybe I’m on the right path." @pitbullsandmountains agreed with the suggestion of living it up before becoming parents, "33, rock climber & fitness enthusiast, just booked a 40-day road trip through 5 national parks, been skydiving. May have kids one day, who knows."