By: Jamie Thompson
Feb. 14, 2016
As I reflect on nearly nine years of parenting, I realize just how much I’ve evolved. If New Mom Me and Present-Day Me were to cross paths, it might play out like this:
(knock on the door)
New Mom Me: Um, hi. Sorry to interrupt, but did you know your child is outside playing alone? In the front yard?
Present-Day Me: He is? Oh, that’s normal for us.
New Mom Me: Really? Aren’t you concerned he could run into the street, or worse, get abducted?
Present-Day Me: Not really. He’s out there often. My main concern is a neighbor reporting me. Wait, are you a new neighbor?
New Mom Me: No, I just happened to drive by and thought I should check in. What if a large tree limb falls on him? Or he gets stung by a bee? I noticed he’s not wearing shoes.
Present-Day Me: Yeah, I tell him to wear them, but you know how 3-year-olds are…
New Mom Me: (speechless)
Present-Day Me: Don’t worry; he’ll be just fine.
New Mom Me: I could sit with him until you finish whatever you’re doing.
Present-Day Me: That’s not necessary. I’m always busy. Unless you want to move in… just joking!
New Mom Me: (speechless)
Present-Day Me: Would you like to come in for a moment? You look like you could use a break.
New Mom Me: Yeah, I haven’t slept much. My baby is teething, so I check on her every couple of hours.
Present-Day Me: Come on in! I was going to let the 3-year-old watch some TV while I got some work done. Your little one can join him.
New Mom Me: Oh, that’s okay. She’s already had her 30 minutes of educational programming today. I try to limit screen time.
Present-Day Me: (laughs) You’re kidding, right?
New Mom Me: Nope, I don’t want her to be overwhelmed with too much TV.
Present-Day Me: (slyly turns off the TV playing a random kids’ show) Well, I’m making chicken nuggets. But let’s be honest, the 3-year-old will probably just end up having chocolate cake for dinner since the older kids eat so fast. At least he’s consuming something, right?
New Mom Me: (speechless)
Present-Day Me: (to the 6-year-old) Get down from the roof of the car!
New Mom Me: How many kids do you have?
Present-Day Me: Three. Feels like I have an entire zoo sometimes!
New Mom Me: Where’s the other one?
Present-Day Me: Not sure. Probably at a neighbor’s house.
New Mom Me: (speechless)
Present-Day Me: I have like five billion tasks to juggle, like making a phone call while folding laundry, changing a diaper, figuring out the 3-year-old’s meals, and writing a blog post, so are we done here?
New Mom Me: (momentarily speechless) Uh, yeah. Are you sure he’s okay out there?
Present-Day Me: I can bring him in if that eases your mind. His sibling is out there too, so it can’t be that bad! *(crying starts)*
New Mom Me: Are you going to check on him?
Present-Day Me: (listens for a moment) That’s not a hurt cry. It’s a total act, can’t you tell?
New Mom Me: Aren’t you worried? I don’t want to seem paranoid, but I am. You know, first-time mom here. *(nervous laugh)*
Present-Day Me: Yes, I understand. *(gives New Mom Me a longer than usual hug)* It will get better, I promise. *(whispers to New Mom Me)* Go home and take a nap while you can, okay?
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Summary
The humorous interaction between New Mom Me and Present-Day Me reveals a journey of growth over the years of parenting. The conversation highlights the contrast between the worries of a first-time mom and the more relaxed approach of an experienced parent, showcasing how perspectives shift with time and experience in navigating the challenges of raising children.