Kids: It’s Not You, It’s Me (Your Tired Mom)

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You know what? I’m really tired. I get it—every mom out there is probably nodding along right now because exhaustion is basically a universal mom trait. But sometimes, the kind of tired I feel seeps deep into my bones, and it affects how I show up as a mom.

After a long day that starts before sunrise, filled with the delightful chaos of my three energetic little ones, I’m just plain worn out. By the time I finally get to my boys around 5:30 PM, ready to dive into the evening routine, my patience seems to vanish.

When they’re racing around, playfully slapping each other and joking about sitting on heads, I don’t always find it funny. Instead of laughing, I sometimes react with frustration. Trying to get food into the mouths of three tiny humans who have zero interest in eating can feel like a comedy of errors. And when it’s bath time and they act like wild animals instead of cooperating, I feel myself losing that calm demeanor I strive for. There are even nights when, after finally getting them tucked in, they pop back out of bed for the umpteenth time, and I just yell.

My mantra of “cherish these moments” sometimes feels like a distant memory, and I find myself wishing the chaos away instead of enjoying it.

But let’s be real: this isn’t my everyday reality. If I’m honest with myself, I usually love the wildness and wackiness of my boys. Yet, there are days when I feel like I might just lose my last shred of sanity. I promised myself I wouldn’t be the mom who yells, yet here I am, shouting more than I care to admit.

Why? Because they’re having too much fun, playing too loudly, and living in the moment while I’m too exhausted to keep up. I need to find that balance between letting them enjoy life and guiding them to listen to their mom.

But does yelling help? Nope. In fact, it usually makes them laugh, which is a reminder that I’m not doing as much harm as I sometimes fear. My boys just want to play, and they need my presence more than I realize.

I’ve learned that routine is crucial for us, but it’s equally important to weave in some playtime. When I actually engage with them, everything flows better. Time slows down, and I remember that the real issue isn’t them—it’s me.

So, to my boys: I’m sorry. It’s not you; it’s me. Moms are not perfect, and we often mess up. We sometimes snap when we ought to laugh and get frustrated when we should be calm.

You’re not meant to be quiet and composed all the time. You’re here to play, enjoy life, and relish your childhood. That’s your job, and mine is to help you find balance. But honestly, you’re the ones teaching me how to find that balance.

So thank you. It’s not you; it’s me.

For more insights into the journey of motherhood, check out this post about parenting challenges, and if you’re exploring options for conception, you might find useful info at Make A Mom. For additional support on pregnancy, visit the CDC for excellent resources.