Updated: Dec. 21, 2023
Originally Published: Aug. 23, 2023
Before I became a parent, I would often visit friends and family with children and marvel at the chaos that surrounded them. Even in tidy homes, signs of destruction were evident—broken couch springs, cabinet doors askew, dining tables marked with fork scratches. I naively assumed that these parents were either too lax or that their kids were simply wild.
Then I had my own little ones, and I quickly realized that it doesn’t take a carefree approach or unruly behavior for your belongings to meet their demise. It’s not just furniture at risk; there’s a myriad of items that kids can obliterate just by being their curious selves.
Their Toys
It’s not merely that our kids have shattered their toys; they’ve rendered them unusable for anyone else. Between scribbling their backward-named signatures with permanent markers, giving their dolls a “makeover” that includes haircuts and makeup (seriously, how do they always find a Sharpie?!), and losing half of every multi-piece game, we haven’t been able to pass down any toys outside our family since our eldest was two.
Our Walls
With three children, we’ve encountered one enthusiastic wall artist—an impressive ratio, I’d say. However, all of them have left their mark as wall wipers. If you’ve ever taken a close look at your walls, you know it’s best not to. You might find smudges and stains that you’d prefer to ignore. There are even footprints on the walls! Are my kids superheroes? I think not, but there they are.
My Definition of “Clean”
Speaking of dirty walls, my definition of “clean” has shifted dramatically since becoming a parent. I gave up on keeping the glass free from handprints ages ago, and I’m not even sure I can spot dust anymore—it’s fallen to the bottom of my priority list. As for the kids, if they don’t smell bad and aren’t visibly dirty, I consider them good to go. Have you bathed this week? You think so? Alright, you’re fine.
My Patience
People often claim that parenting fosters patience, but I’m beginning to believe they’re delusional. I was far more patient before becoming a parent. Perhaps it’s that my patience is tested more frequently now, making me more aware of its limits. Or maybe it’s the constant repetition of “Mama, Mama, Mama,” that’s frayed my nerves over the past decade. That could be it.
My Ability to Consume News
First and foremost, young children don’t need to be inundated with the day’s tragedies. Secondly, I just can’t handle it. The news seems to be a never-ending cycle of grim stories that highlight how bleak the world appears for the children I brought into it. Why would I willingly expose myself to that?
My Illusions of Ideal Parenting
This one speaks for itself—except maybe for a good laugh!
My Heart
Ah, my heart. A mother’s heart swells and breaks daily—filled with love, joy, worry, and pain. I’m constantly on the verge of bursting. The love I harbor for my kids stretches my heart to its limits. Their laughter, victories, and moments of vulnerability can make me feel like I’m about to explode. The fear for their safety and my own shortcomings can shake my heart to the core. Watching them navigate tough lessons, face heartbreak, and transition out of childhood feels like it might literally break me. I often wonder how my heart continues to beat with all of this.
So yes, kids do destroy things, but not everything needs to remain untarnished. I’m grateful for the lessons learned and the emotional growth that comes with parenthood. The walls? They can be cleaned. The toys? They’ve been cherished. My patience? It’s a work in progress, but I own that. And the news? Mostly just noise anyway.
So go ahead, kids—embrace your inner wrecking ball! We’ll repair what requires fixing and cherish the messy beauty of parenthood. If you’re curious about the journey of parenthood and the resources available, check out this insightful post on intracervicalinsemination.org. For those considering at-home insemination options, Make a Mom is a reliable retailer for insemination kits. Additionally, Healthline provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, while kids may break things, the real beauty of parenthood lies in the love, chaos, and growth that accompany it.
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