When life is particularly crazy, it's easy to experience your children as an annoyance. You know, to have the fleeting thought that if only they weren't so demanding of your attention, you could really be productive -- whether that's work or chores or gardening. That's when I know it's time to take a step back, say no to the next project or meeting or volunteer need, and reconnect with my family.
After all, we chose to become parents. Even those moms whose children weren't entirely planned made a conscious decision to keep the baby, not to place her for adoption, and to commit to becoming a mom. With that choice comes the responsibility to give our best to our children, and to let them know they are our number one priority. That's not to say we should be narrowly focused on motherhood -- I believe taking time for yourself and having interests actually makes you a better parent.
But with Mother's Day fast approaching, the blissful images of domesticity surrounding us can mask the truth that parenting is a demanding, always-on job. If you feel that it's hard, you're doing it right. As much as I make the most of quality time with my children, in the end there are no shortcuts. Every day we wake, dress, feed and get our kids out the door. At night we pick up, get dinner on the table, do activities or homework, bathe and tuck them in again. This is the work of motherhood. Every. Single. Day. And every day counts.
So the next time you're feeling overwhelmed or have a bad day or lose your patience with your children, take heart. Tomorrow is another chance to get it right.
This post is part of the All About Parenting Blog Carnival on motherhood, hosted by Carey Bryson, the About.com Guide to Kids' TV and Movies. Please check out the other carnival entries at Carey's site!
Photo credit: Getty Images
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Can I take you to “Mother’s Day” dinner tonight (if Grandpa will babysit)? Love, Your husband.
Kath, great post, and so true. <3
It’s so good to know that I am not the only mom who finds myself in those moments of frustration — “if only __, then I could get my work done.” And yes, then I try to take a deep, centering breath and remember that nothing is static, and my work will be there long after my kids are grown.
It’s been a while since I had children living at home, but I can still relate to your post. Doing something difficult and doing it well is one of the most rewarding experiences that life has to offer. I think the problem is that motherhood isn’t always regarded by the world at large as something difficult, although it certainly should be. Happy Mother’s Day! Kiss that husband of yours and your grand babysitter as well!
Great post. I know it, but it’s nice to read it too.