It’s natural for parents to complain about the obstacles we face having children. I often see jokes on Facebook or Some e-cards that poke fun at the elusiveness of the freedoms we all used to enjoy before our children came along. No longer can you enjoy privacy, or even personal space let alone peace and quiet. We need to vent and enjoy the camaraderie in order to cope.
As I type my son is sitting on my lap and alternately smacking me or tugging on me, trying his best to interfere with my typing while my daughter competes for my attention. I can’t even work in peace anymore. I wish I had the ability to tell my former self to savor the moments of my past, just as parents of older children have been telling me to savor these moments with my children, right now.
That’s a hard thing to do when you have a stack of bills to pay, a pile of laundry to do, meals to prepare and force your children to eat, a never-ending stream of work, and a house that will not stay clean or tidy. All while keeping the kids happy and entertained. It’s not easy being a parent, and quite frankly, I’m tired of being told to enjoy my days at this stage in the game. But I know that they’re right.
I’m not saying that I don’t enjoy my children; I love them immensely and enjoy them thoroughly. It’s just difficult to do that ALL THE TIME, especially when they’re driving me up the wall. I don’t like that play time with them sometimes feels like another chore on my to-do list. I’m working on this.
Because I have seen with my own eyes how fast they grow. It feels like just yesterday we were Christening Emma when she was a couple of months old, but despite how recently that feels, her fifth birthday is approaching and I am dreading the first day of Kindergarten next year.
I know that in a flash, this will be Ryan too. My last child. I want to enjoy all of the everyday moments. Even if they’re like the one a few moments ago when my son removed all of the dirty dishes from the washer just after I placed them there. Because I know that one day, I will find that funny. Heck, it’s funny now.
How do you cope with everyday parenting challenges?
This is a sponsored post. The subject matter and words are all mine.
Two children is soo much harder than one. I feel like a slave when I’m at home first to my children then to the house. Trying to cook, clean, work full time, and still be a good mom is almost too much for one person to handle… I think I need an assistant… (one other than my husband who does do a good job handling some things.)
Juggling the everyday stuff is definitely a challenge, but I find that taking time – even just a few minutes – to sit together & talk or read makes me feel like I get a little quality time with them.
That definitely helps with the guilt. I’m just having a really hard time lately because my 15mo never gives me a break. He won’t even sleep by himself!