Did you know a New York court just ruled dogs as immediate family members? It’s true—and it’s just one of many surprising ways the definition of family is evolving right now. This historic legal decision, featured in Bored Panda’s “109 Weird Things That Sound Made Up But Are Very Real”, reminds us that family looks different for everyone—and that shaping your own family can mean embracing the unexpected.

As someone exploring the path to parenthood, you might feel overwhelmed by all the unknowns. Parenthood is one of life’s most beautiful journeys, but it’s also filled with surprises that no one tells you about. Today, I want to take you through 7 shocking realities about becoming a parent you probably never considered—and how you can prepare to meet them head-on.

1. Family Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

From pets being legal family members to families created through at-home insemination, the world is redefining what