I adore my kids more than I could ever express. It’s a wild, overwhelming, I’d-take-a-bullet-for-you kind of love. Yet, let’s be real: parenting can be utterly draining. Just because I feel this deep affection doesn’t mean I relish every single task that comes with it. Honestly, I could find more mental engagement sorting mail than in the daily grind of being a stay-at-home mom. Sometimes, I need to mentally check-out just to keep my sanity intact.
- Weekend Lunchtimes: In my teenage years, I briefly waited tables at a diner, and I was terrible at it. Cold soup, wrong dressings, and staggered meals were my jam. Fast forward to today—now I’m the chef, server, dishwasher, and clean-up crew all rolled into one flustered package. And guess what? I’m the one doing the dishes too! At least during the week, I can sneak in some lunch prep while they’re sleeping, avoiding the “too much or not enough ice” debates.
- Nap Time Negotiations: My 4-year-old boy absolutely refuses to nap unless Curious George is involved. This means I need Netflix, which in turn needs Comcast. So, guess what? Nap time often turns into a battle, and he really needs that rest!
- Project Interruptions: I’ve been trying to clean out the garage fridge for weeks! Just as I think I’m making progress, someone needs a book from the top shelf, or my little one wants to show off his latest talent (currently, it’s farting on command). Forget about completing any projects.
- Their Projects: My 4-year-old had to color for preschool, and what should have been fun turned into an epic battle. He was all about refusing to cooperate until I dangled chocolate and a marathon of Candy Land as bait. I can’t wait for him to hit middle school—what joy awaits!
- Homework Chaos: My 9-year-old usually handles his homework like a champ. But, oh boy, that’s precisely when his younger sibling decides to unleash a barrage of Nerf bullets or belt out “Frosty the Snowman” at full volume. It’s a total circus around here, and not the cute kind.
- End of Breaks: After three weeks of school breaks, I’m completely fried. Any parent who claims otherwise must be a teacher!
- Phone Calls: If I want my kids to be glued to me, I simply need to make a phone call. It turns out kids have a radar for this. My friends are parents too, and we end up chatting for half an hour without getting to actually talk about anything… just listing our kids’ latest mischief.
- Sibling Rivalry: My children fight like it’s an Olympic sport. One moment they’re sharing a sweet brotherly hug, the next—World War III erupts over who gets to hold the baby. “There’s enough baby love to go around” is not an effective peacekeeping strategy.
- Lies and Fibbing: As my eldest transitions into the tween stage, I’m catching him in more fibs. It’s frustrating and a little heartbreaking. Doesn’t he know he can always tell me the truth? I might not love every bit of it, but my love for him is unwavering. I just hope he learns this lesson soon.
- When They’re Not Here: I know it sounds a bit silly, but there are days when I desperately wish for a moment to breathe, think, or even pee without an audience. Yet, when they’re not around, I miss them fiercely and worry about them, even in the care of trusted friends. Being a mom means carrying around pieces of my heart in my little ones, and it feels whole only when we’re all together.
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Summary: Motherhood is a rollercoaster of love and challenges, filled with moments that can be both exhausting and rewarding. From managing chaotic meal times to navigating homework battles, the journey comes with ups and downs. While I may sometimes wish for a break, my heart feels most complete when my kids are around.