Being late can come across as inconsiderate, and I completely understand that. I’ve been on both sides of the tardiness coin, and it’s never a pleasant experience. However, I’m ready to share a little secret: I pride myself on being a well-organized and punctual individual, but I’m also navigating the chaotic world of parenting little humans who seem intent on making me look disheveled in front of others. Yes, it’s true.
Here are the reasons why my lateness is not entirely on me:
- My 4-year-old daughter has a knack for sabotaging my plans with her eclectic wardrobe choices. She’s adorable, but her idea of fashion often resembles a disaster waiting to happen. And for those who think, “You’re her parent; just take control,” I assure you, this child could make a seasoned negotiator’s head spin.
- My 9-year-old son is a master at avoiding responsibilities, preferring to engage in debates about sock etiquette, inciting his sister’s frustration, or creating elaborate treasure maps instead of focusing on brushing his teeth.
- There’s the pre-activity food refusal phenomenon. According to the Parenting Law of Children, kids only express hunger when you’re nowhere near any food.
- My children move at a pace reminiscent of molasses on a cold day. If I say, “Hurry up!” they seem to gain a new level of inertia, staring at me blankly until I’m almost purple with frustration.
- They are incredibly unhelpful. I would even go so far as to say completely ineffectual. Their indifference toward punctuality is astonishing, and their arms often resemble limp noodles incapable of carrying even a snack bag.
- The endless accumulation of stuff. Snacks, drinks, spare clothes, and a mountain of miscellaneous items have turned our vehicle into a mobile advertisement for “Cluttered Car Living.”
- The inevitable meltdown—often mine—takes place somewhere between the house and the car as I realize they’re still standing there, seemingly frozen in time.
- Then there’s the last-minute poop ambush. It occurs so frequently that I’ve started to think that the sound of a car door closing triggers my daughter’s digestive system.
- Their faces! As they grow older, I don’t always notice the remnants of past meals until we’re halfway down the road, and I’m alarmed by the amount of stuff they’ve accumulated. My daughter often has enough crumbs on her face to constitute a small lunch.
- I frequently forget my own items in my frenzy to remember their essentials. While I’m stressing about packing her favorite toy or water for my son, I lose track of where we’re headed and why it matters.
So, if I show up a bit frazzled the next time we meet, know that I’m doing my best. You’ll get a pass from me, too. And just so you know, I definitely didn’t choose that particular outfit for my daughter.
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In summary, while being late can be perceived as inconsiderate, many factors contribute to this common parenting struggle. From fashion conflicts to snack overloads, the challenges are real. So next time you see a frazzled parent, remember the chaos they might be juggling.