Updated: October 14, 2023
Originally Published: February 23, 2016
I’m calling it quits—completely, utterly finished.
I refuse to get up from the dinner table the moment I finally sit down. It’s time for my kids to start folding their own clothes. If they want to cram everything into their drawers haphazardly, then so be it; I’m done worrying about it.
I’ve decided to stop playing the “finder” for everyone in the house. My 6-year-old can’t locate her beloved unicorn or her pink pen. My 10-year-old can’t find his tablet or his latest fantasy novel. And my partner seems to misplace his sunglasses, keys, and wallet all the time. Guess who knows where every last one of those items is? That’s right—ME. But from now on, I’m keeping that knowledge to myself.
I’m done preparing snacks at all hours. Three meals a day is all I’m offering to my ravenous little ones. They can figure out cheese and crackers on their own.
I quit being jolted awake in the middle of the night for trivial reasons. If my child has a nightmare and needs comfort, they’re welcome to crawl into bed with us. But if anyone yells at 3 a.m. for a cover adjustment, I might just lose it.
No more over-scheduling my children. One extracurricular activity per kid is all they’ll get. I crave some quiet evenings at home without the frantic rush. One or two outings weekly is sufficient.
I refuse to repeat myself endlessly. If I ask if anyone wants the last cookie and I’m met with a distracted “Huh?” that cookie is mine. Pay attention next time!
I’m letting go of the stress surrounding my disheveled home. With my freelance work, I could save for my kids’ college fund, but instead, I’ll be hiring a housekeeper. I enjoy a tidy home, but I can’t juggle cleaning with everything else—I’m tired of the anxiety, so I quit!
I’m prioritizing myself for a change. If I feel the urge to work out instead of making dinner, so be it. Kids, dig through the fridge or ask Dad to whip something up—he can cook. I’ve also scheduled long-overdue appointments with a dermatologist and a therapist, things I’d held off on for years because I felt guilty about taking time away from my family.
I’m done feeling guilty about treating myself. For too long, I’ve removed items from my cart at checkout because I thought I didn’t deserve them. I recently bought myself high-quality makeup that conceals age spots and imperfections, and I have no regrets.
I refuse to grit my teeth as my children invade my personal space. I deserve to feel like a person with my own boundaries. No more being a jungle gym or a human trampoline. Hugs are still allowed, of course.
I’m making these changes because I’ve realized that the martyr mentality only backfires. Instead of being the best version of myself for my family, I’ve suppressed my own needs to the point of becoming a stressed-out shadow of my true self. No more. Moving forward, everyone—including me—will get the calm, happy, and fulfilled version of me.
Because I quit.
For more insights and information about pregnancy and home insemination, check out this post. If you’re interested in the latest in home insemination tools, visit this authority site. For a thorough understanding of pregnancy, visit the CDC’s resource page.
Summary
This piece encapsulates the author’s declaration of independence from the unrealistic pressures of parenting. From refusing to be the family’s perpetual finder to prioritizing self-care and setting boundaries, the author emphasizes the importance of personal well-being for a happier family dynamic.