As a 37-year-old parent to two wonderful children, I must admit: I often feel like I’m merely pretending to navigate the complexities of adulthood. Despite my best efforts—like crafting grocery lists, managing nail clippings, and scheduling dental visits—I can’t shake the nagging sensation that I’m unqualified for the responsibilities I shoulder, especially when it comes to raising my kids. Here are some telltale signs that I’m not quite as mature as I should be:
- Ironing? Not for Me: I’ve never been one for ironing. After lugging my unused ironing board through multiple moves, I finally handed it over to my well-organized brother. I prefer the “dryer with a damp cloth” method, or in dire situations, the “hang it in the bathroom while I shower” approach. I mean, I buy most of my clothes at budget-friendly stores; wrinkles don’t stand a chance against a cotton tank top.
- Dry Cleaning Dread: Isn’t dry cleaning a rite of passage into adulthood? In shows like Friends, characters seem to live at the dry cleaner’s. When I mistakenly purchase “dry clean only” items, I find myself in a cycle of resentment, repeatedly wearing them without washing and ultimately shoving them into the back of my closet with promises of future dry cleaning that never materialize.
- Fear of Buzzing Insects: I have an irrational dread of bees and wasps. Once, while enjoying a drink outside, a wasp landed on my bottle, prompting a dramatic freak-out that ended with me shattering the glass on the pavement. Adults are supposed to handle danger with composure, right?
- Balloon Anxiety: I can’t tie a knot in a balloon, and I have an overwhelming fear of them popping. This aversion has even been passed to my eldest child. Forget about those games that involve sitting on balloons; neither of us is participating.
- Parental Decision-Making Doubts: When my kids ask me questions, I often look around, half-expecting to find an adult who knows what to say. Can they watch another episode? Have a popsicle? Go to a sleepover? I feel more like their babysitter than their mother at times.
- Corking Champagne? No Thanks: I always hand off the champagne bottle to someone else when it’s time to celebrate. The loud pop of the cork is just too much pressure. I also struggle with those corkscrews that require a bit of finesse; I can’t seem to master that technique, either.
- Lost in Malls: My sense of direction is non-existent. Shopping malls and parking lots leave me frazzled and often in tears, unable to find my way out.
- Out of Touch with Current Affairs: I often feel lost in conversations about politics and news. I nod politely, but I can’t recall what fracking is.
- TV Show Catch-Up: We’re perpetually behind on popular television series. We just wrapped up Breaking Bad and started House of Cards. I’ve never seen Mad Men or Downton Abbey, and I gave up on The Walking Dead after the first episode’s shocking scene.
- Chopsticks Challenge: I can’t use chopsticks, which feels like a major oversight in adulthood.
Despite these feelings of inadequacy, I remind myself of the unique contributions I make to my family and society. After all, not every adult can recite lines from obscure 80s movies, write strongly-worded letters to unsatisfactory services, or spot typos in public signage. I can’t be alone in experiencing “Adult Imposter Syndrome.” If you relate, you’re not alone!
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Summary
Adult Imposter Syndrome is a common feeling among parents and adults, manifesting in various ways, from fear of small tasks to feeling unprepared for parental responsibilities. It’s essential to recognize these feelings and understand that many share similar experiences, reassuring ourselves that we still contribute meaningfully to our families and society.