When I had my son everything did change but I'd have to say that the most overwhelming thing that happened to me is that I never experienced a moment of true silence ever again. When you're a parent there is never a moment where your brain is "off." Either literally or figuratively, you will never have a quiet moment in your head. Even when you're alone you are always thinking about your child; are they safe, are they happy are they OKAY? My son is only four so I hope as he gets older this might change, but in talking with parents of older kids, I'm guessing it won't.