Today, I found one of my toddlers exploring the toilet. Yes, it was as unpleasant as it sounds. I quickly scooped him up, washed his hands, and we carried on with our evening.
A mere ten minutes later, I discovered him munching on dirt from one of our houseplants. Scoop, wash, and then back to our routine.
Now, I’m sure some folks would react with horror, thinking, “Oh my goodness! That kid needs a bath!” or “Why wasn’t he being watched?” To that, I say, “Please, spare me.”
Let’s be real here: I’ve spent a significant portion of my parenting journey just trying to get by. For instance, I don’t freak out when one of my kids tumbles down or, apparently, plays in toilet water. I’m not crafting Pinterest-worthy meals, I don’t buy all organic products, and I certainly don’t scrutinize the labels on my children’s shampoo. At mealtimes, I’m frantically asking each child what they want while I pull frozen meals from the freezer—thank goodness for microwaves!
On school days, I’m rummaging through their backpacks for homework just as the bus arrives, while simultaneously trying to prevent the baby from eating the dog food.
If you were to drop by uninvited, you’d see clean laundry piled high on the couch, snacks scattered across the kitchen counter (and probably wedged between the cushions), and homework strewn throughout the living room, dining area, and kitchen. There are dirty socks in the hallway and toothpaste smeared on the bathroom wall (I still have no clue how that happened). Toys? They’re everywhere.
And let’s be honest—kids are a bit gross. I mean, they’re sticky, crusty, and generally messy creatures. No matter how diligently I try to keep everything in order, they seem to get messier by the minute. So, that toilet and dirt incident? Just a small blip on a much larger canvas.
Sure, some parents seem to have it all together, and to them, I say, “Bravo!” But for me, this chaos is my version of order. Despite my laid-back approach, my family is genuinely happy, and dare I say, quite “normal” (whatever that means).
My kids share laughter often. Our home may not resemble a pristine museum, but it serves as a backdrop for their cherished memories (and inevitable messes). I see a genuine joy in them that cannot be faked. They may look well put together, dressed appropriately, and with combed hair. I don’t let them live on junk food alone. I ensure their homework is completed. Most importantly, they understand the value of respect and standing up for what they believe in. So, my life isn’t merely a chaotic whirlwind.
I thrive under pressure and procrastination—it’s just my style. But if children reflect their parents and their surroundings, then mine are destined to grow up with plenty of love and a strong sense of humor. Our life may resemble an episode of a sitcom, but I’m perfectly fine with that. We’re not aiming for perfection; we’re just trying to get through the day like everyone else.
If I manage to do nothing else right in my life, I know for sure that I’ve loved my children with every fiber of my being. Perfection is overrated.
To all you parents navigating the chaos alongside me, here’s to you. You have my support and understanding. Cherish those little ones, and they’ll return the affection in spades. There’s truly nothing that compares to that bond—not even a spotless home.
And just to clarify, my toddler did get a bath that night. We’re not total animals, after all!
For more insights on family life, check out our post on home insemination kits. Also, if you’re considering options for conception, Make a Mom offers excellent resources, while UCSF’s fertility page is a fantastic reference for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, parenting may be messy, chaotic, and far from perfect, but it is filled with love and laughter. Embrace the journey, support one another, and remember that the connection with your children is what truly matters in the end.