Hey there, fellow parents!
I recently found myself 3,000 miles from home, frazzled and jet-lagged, dealing with two energetic kids who were anything but quiet. It was a week-long “vacation” in California, visiting friends and family, and let me tell you, it was testy. My two-year-old took nearly a week to adjust to the new time zone, resulting in daily meltdowns, and my picky eight-year-old managed to survive solely on cereal and chips. Not ideal, right?
Every morning started the same way: chaos at the continental breakfast. The kids bickered over everything from “Stop touching me!” to “You said we could have chocolate!” And the food? Oh boy. My eight-year-old insisted that California milk tasted different from New York milk while my toddler complained the pancakes weren’t round enough.
They were loud—excruciatingly loud—talking in those high-pitched voices while standing on chairs, hiding under tables, and creating toast kingdoms. The stares from other diners were hard to miss. One poor lady shot me a look that could curdle milk, while my son sported strawberry jam on his nose and the other had his hand in his pants. Talk about wild!
If I were a newer parent, those glares would have made me question my parenting skills. I’d wonder why my kids were the loudest in the room, while the family next to us enjoyed a perfectly civilized breakfast. I’d think about all those other parents who seemed to have it figured out, with their sticker charts and discipline strategies. Why couldn’t I be more like them?
I’ll admit, I still had those thoughts during our chaotic vacation. I felt like my parenting skills were on public display—not just in the breakfast area but also when I was around family and friends I hadn’t seen in years. It made me feel self-conscious, like I was back in middle school, desperate to escape the judgmental stares.
But here’s the thing I’ve learned over the years: I’m not alone in this. And neither are you.
I used to roll my eyes when people said that to struggling parents because, let’s be real, in those chaotic moments, it feels like you’re the only one. But deep down, we all know that every parent faces these challenges. Each day comes with its own set of uncertainties, especially when you’re out of your comfort zone.
So to all the parents out there with their wild, rowdy kids:
Your kids are not the only ones throwing tantrums in public, despite your best efforts to keep them well-rested and fed. You’re not the only parent whose kids seem to disregard the concept of cleanliness or good manners. You’re not alone in feeling like you’re just winging it, hoping for the best.
What people see in those moments is just a snapshot of your life with your kids—an amplified version when stress levels rise and voices get loud. It’s essential for others to recognize that judging a parent based on a five-minute encounter is unfair.
The truth is, your kids are rockstars at being themselves, even when they’re acting a little crazy. It’s perfectly normal for them to struggle with changes in their environment, and it’s completely fine for siblings to squabble. Kids are naturally messy and loud; that’s part of growing up!
The most spirited kids are often the brightest and most creative. They’re the ones who surprise you with new skills overnight or come up with the wildest dance routines at dawn.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. At that very moment when you think you’re failing, someone else is likely feeling the same way—and it might just be me.
Need more encouragement? Check out this resource from the Cleveland Clinic about pregnancy and home insemination. Also, if you’re interested in home insemination, consider visiting Make a Mom for great insights. And for more about parenting, see our post on advertiser disclosure.
Summary
Parenting is tough, especially when you’re out of your comfort zone with noisy, rambunctious kids. It’s easy to feel judged by others, but remember that every parent faces similar challenges. Kids are meant to be wild and messy! Embrace their spirited nature and know you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed.