Today, I discovered one of my children playing in the toilet—yes, it was unsanitary. I quickly scooped him up, washed his hands, and we moved on with our evening. Just ten minutes later, I found him munching on dirt from a houseplant. Again, I scooped him up, and we carried on with our night.
I can already hear the judgments: “That’s disgusting! Why weren’t you supervising him?” To which I respond, “Seriously?”
Let me clarify: I often feel like I’m just getting by in this parenting journey. For instance, I remain calm when one of my kids tumbles over (or plays in toilet water). I don’t use Pinterest for meal planning, I don’t buy organic foods, and I certainly don’t scrutinize the ingredients in my kids’ shampoo. When it’s time to eat, I ask each child what they want while hastily rummaging through the freezer. Thank goodness for microwaves!
On school days, I’m pulling out worksheets and papers from their backpacks just seconds before the bus arrives, while also rescuing snacks from my toddler’s grasp.
If you were to drop by unexpectedly, you’d find clean laundry piled high on the couch, snacks strewn across the kitchen counter (and likely lodged between sofa cushions), and stacks of homework scattered throughout the house. Dirty socks would be lying in the hallway, toothpaste splashed on the bathroom wall (no idea how that happened), and toys would be everywhere.
And let’s not forget that children are inherently messy. They tend to be sticky, smelly little beings. No matter how well I supervise them, they seem to get messier as the day goes on. So, the toilet escapade and plant snacking are just minor incidents in a much larger picture.
I recognize that some parents appear to have it all together. For those individuals, I say, “Congratulations!” However, my version of having it together looks a bit different. In spite of the chaos, I believe my family is genuinely happy and, dare I say, relatively “normal” (whatever that means).
My kids laugh often. Our home may not resemble a pristine museum, but it’s a space where memories (and messes) are created. I see the joy in their eyes; it’s authentic. I do my best to ensure they look presentable, are well-fed, and that their homework is completed. Most importantly, they understand the importance of respect and standing up for their beliefs. So, my life isn’t just one big disaster.
I thrive in a state of mild chaos, and that’s just who I am. If children reflect their parents and their environment, then mine will grow up with a lot of love and a solid sense of humor. Though our life might resemble an episode of a sitcom, I’m perfectly fine with that. We’re not chasing perfection; we’re simply working to get through each day like many others.
If I achieve nothing else in my life, I can confidently say that I love my children wholeheartedly. No amount of perfection can compete with that.
To all the parents out there who, like me, are just scraping by, I salute you. You have my support and understanding. Love those little ones, and they will love you back. There’s nothing quite as rewarding as that—certainly more fulfilling than a spotless home.
And yes, my child did get a bath that night. We’re not complete animals, after all.
For more insights on navigating parenthood, check out this informative piece on home insemination.
In summary, parenting is often a messy, chaotic journey filled with love, laughter, and the occasional mishap. Embracing this reality helps us create meaningful memories while fostering a nurturing environment for our children.