Parenting is utterly draining! Let’s be real about the challenges we face. I’m perpetually tired—especially those nights when I wake up at 2 a.m. feeling like I’m in an oven. It’s not a sultry kind of hot; it’s the sweaty, uncomfortable kind. My husband is snug under layers of blankets while I feel like I’m about to melt. Even with blackout curtains drawn, I have to blast the A/C to Arctic levels, just so my son can make it to the bathroom at 6 a.m. without an accident.
I’m also exhausted by the 6 a.m. wake-up call that comes with the sound of my son’s morning routine. My neck is in constant pain, and pillows seem to be my arch-nemesis. I finally find a comfortable position, and then—bam!—it turns against me like my teenagers’ mood swings. I call this “mom pain,” which is a mix of physical discomfort and the emotional strain from dealing with my own mother’s unsolicited advice. Yoga helps, if only I could carve out the time to actually practice it.
I’m fed up with helicopter parenting. I believe in giving my kids space to explore creatively on their own. Sure, I plan some family activities, but I’m not about to join in every game of Four Square. “Get out there and play! You’re lucky I gave you siblings to keep you company,” I often remind them, hoping for a moment of peace.
Screen time is another battle I’m weary of fighting. Boredom is okay! I want my kids to enjoy the outdoors rather than be glued to screens. And don’t even get me started on the debates about giving kids smartphones before high school. Bill Gates didn’t let his kids have phones until they were 14, and trust me, the middle school flip phone will be “Flipping Awesome” and more than enough for their social needs.
Marriage feels like a job, especially with four children in the mix. We’ve been married for 23 years, and our love is defined by resilience. While we often look more exhausted than romantic in photos, we make it work. A healthy dose of electronics is essential; it keeps the kids entertained long enough for us to squeeze in a date night—if we’re lucky.
I’m tired of being told I’m too sensitive. My emotions can hit hard, and that’s part of who I am. Like those sleepless nights when I’m wide awake at 2 a.m., contemplating the world’s issues.
Speaking of the world, I’m fatigued by the news cycle. I dread the conversations about school lockdowns due to threats of violence and the need for safe storage of firearms. I’m tired of the rising costs of education and the ongoing struggles for equality and justice. Climate change feels like an insurmountable threat, and I worry about the future my children will inherit.
It’s no surprise that I lie awake at night, sweating while my family stays cool. I worry about the influence my kids will encounter as they grow up. There’s little rest for the weary in a world where peace and tolerance often feel like distant dreams. Oh, and let’s not forget the hormonal swings that come with age—those are unpredictable and exhausting too.
Today, I pushed myself to run faster than I thought possible, perhaps spurred on by my swirling thoughts. As the sun shone on my face, I started to see the silver lining in my chaotic life. I’ve earned my exhaustion, and I have no regrets. I can always nap when my kids eventually leave the nest.
Along the path, my worries began to fade—at least until the next sleepless night. I found my energy again, enough to tackle parenting and partnership for another day. “Kids, let’s hit the pool for some family fun!” I called out, as they reluctantly abandoned their screens.
To all the fellow parents out there, know that you are not alone in your fatigue. I honestly have no idea how I managed to write this. Tonight, I’m sure my family will be bundled up in blankets while I sweat it out.
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Summary
Parenting is a relentless cycle of exhaustion, from sleepless nights and painful mornings to the struggles of balancing screen time and marriage. The challenges of parenting can feel overwhelming, but amidst it all, moments of joy and reflection remind us of the blessings we have.