What is the one thing a frazzled Mother of small children doesn’t ever want to hear? “These days go by so fast and you will miss them when they’re gone so enjoy them while you can.â€
You mean I’m supposed to be enjoying all the dirty diapers and the spitting up and never getting enough sleep and being stuck at home all day with little people who can’t speak English but babble in their cute little voices until I think I’m going to lose my mind? Let’s get serious people. And honest.
Why do so many older women feel inclined to tell this to all young Mothers? I heard it a lot when my first two were tiny and it always scared the crap out of me. Is this as good as it gets? What have I signed up for? Now that my kids are a little older I can honestly tell you, no. It gets better. It gets easier. It gets more fun.
If you are a young Mother who is going crazy with the insane amount of work you have to do with little or no breaks or sleep I understand. Instead of trying to make you think those years were the best of my life, I will admit that it was hard for me too and I would never want to do it again. I also thought the dirty diapers would never end. I prayed fervently for a time when I could get a full nights sleep. I give you permission to wish these years away because they seem to be lasting FOREVER and you also have my permission to feel sorry for yourself because if you don’t do it, who will?
I don’t doubt that there are women out there who love every moment of caring for small children but I’m not one of them. I am just grateful that I served my time and my kids and I have moved on to brighter days; days where most of us are feeding ourselves and wiping our own bums. Days where I get to have privacy in the bathroom and the only thing waking me up is a crowing rooster.
My kids are 9, 7 and 2 now and we are having the time of our lives. Every day I feel a little sick that it’s going by too fast. I will miss it when it’s over so I’m trying to enjoy my children while I can. And that’s the truth.
[tags]kids, parents, work, home, struggle, difficulties, difficulty, empathy[/tags]
Crazy cuteness (above photo) graciously provided by the author, through a Creative Commons license, some rights reserved
5 responses so far ↓
Tara // Jul 5, 2007 at 5:40 am
I’ve Felt Your Pain is an awesome post! I completly agree with you!
I have 3 children myself and one on the way, and there are times when it feels like the diapers will never end, and you will never get a good nites rest, but in the end, it is so worth it!
To see my children grow into such amazing kids, makes me want to do it all over again!
Joey // Jul 5, 2007 at 8:46 pm
LOl! Oh man youre talking to me! My lil one is 5 1/2 months along, and although he is the sweetest thing, there are times i wish I could just disappear! I hadnt the slightest idea that being a parent was so demanding. i have newfound respect for every single mother out there. This is tough work! I know deep down inside that of course, it is worth it and all, but at i also cant help feeling like pulling my hair out at times! I need a vacation!
Darcy // Jul 13, 2007 at 9:43 am
Yes, I couldn’t agree more!
My kids are spaced apart the same as yours….I have a 7, 5 and 1 year old. Just when things were getting easier - no one was in diapers any more, every one could feed themselves, etc… we started all over again! Of course I wouldn’t change a thing and love our baby girl to death but somedays when she is throwing everything out of every drawer or cupboard she can get open and there is a trail throughout the house to where she’s been I find myself thinking…why did I want to do this again?!! I just keep reminding myself that it does get better….I know, I’ve been there already!
An Ordinary Mom // Jul 13, 2007 at 10:04 pm
Some days are definitely better than others, but I, too, am trying to enjoy every moment and every stage.
Laura // Jul 15, 2007 at 5:32 pm
Thank you for this awesome post. I agree with you 150%! Thanks for giving me “permission” to wish some of these moments away.
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