Sometimes, you find yourself using paper towels or tissues when you just can’t get to the store for toilet paper. Sometimes, as you step out of the bathroom, you notice something sticky on the floor, and while you may not want to admit it, you already know what it is. Kids can be bizarre creatures, often sharing the most peculiar thoughts that leave you scratching your head. Sometimes, the sound of your child’s voice feels overwhelming, and you wonder how much longer you can handle it—sometimes, you don’t handle it well at all.
There are moments when you’ve just settled in for a well-deserved nap, only to be jolted awake by that tiny voice calling “mom” because they can’t find their favorite toy. You drag yourself out of bed, even though your body protests. Sometimes, you find yourself in heated debates with your partner over trivial parenting matters, questioning your choices. Sometimes, you struggle to muster the patience needed for yet another silly conversation with your little one.
You might yell, slam a door, or even collapse in tears on your bed. Bedtime routines often stretch far longer than anticipated. On days when your child is small, you glance at the clock and wonder how to fill the next 6, 8, or even 10 hours. There are times when your child refuses to sleep or take a nap, or pretends not to know how to put on their underwear, and you feel your frustration bubbling over. Sometimes, you think you might burst if you hear “mom” or “look” one more time.
Exiting the house can feel like an insurmountable task. Through the day, countless little things happen that you can’t even begin to imagine, each one driving you a little closer to the edge. Many days, exhaustion hangs over you like a cloud, and you wonder how you’ll pull yourself together to do it all again tomorrow. You make mistakes, feel guilty, and find yourself offering apologies. There are times when you can’t fathom pretending to be interested in what your child is saying for another second.
You eagerly await the day when you don’t have to buckle them into their car seat anymore, or wait for them to climb in and out of it. You often repeat the same thing multiple times, feeling like you’re talking to a wall.
But then, there are moments that make it all worthwhile. Sometimes they surprise you with a drawing that says “I love you,” and you proudly display it on the refrigerator. You share Eskimo kisses and butterfly kisses, cherishing the fact that these moments are fleeting. Often, you receive hugs so warm and genuine they make your heart swell. Sometimes, they sit in the shopping cart, and you stroll through the aisles, overwhelmed with love for them.
When they ask you why you love them, you find yourself at a loss for words, unable to articulate the depth of your feelings. Sometimes, you share spontaneous dances in the living room, holding them close and letting go. You sit together, gazing out the window at the rain and the passing cars, savoring the stillness. They might pick a flower just for you, and your heart melts. On occasion, you can’t fathom how quickly they are growing up, and you yearn for the days when they were little.
Often, you check on them at night, ensuring they’re safe and sound. Tears may fill your eyes at the thought of them growing up or while reading a poignant story that resonates with your feelings about time. You want to hold them tight forever, but reality doesn’t allow for that. Yet, through it all, you guide them, pick them up when they fall, and love them deeply.
From the moment you learn about them, your love is immense and timeless—suffused with joy, pain, and all the bittersweet moments in between. With a heart full of love, you cherish every laugh and every tear. You love them through every phase of life, and as they grow, you might find yourself yearning for the small things that once drove you crazy, simply because they signify more time spent together.
So love them every single day. Breathe deeply. Forgive yourself. Forget about the dishes. Embrace their innocence. Be silly. Share long hugs. Enjoy the moments. Allow them to lead you off the beaten path, even if it’s past their bedtime. Slow down, cherish time spent together, and just love them.
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Summary:
Parenting is a whirlwind of chaotic moments, exhaustion, and love. From silly arguments to deep hugs, every experience shapes the bond with your child. Embrace each day, forgive yourself, and remember to cherish the fleeting moments of their childhood.
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