By: Jamie Thompson
Throughout the day, I find myself uttering things like, “What’s going on here?” when I’m actually thinking, “Seriously? Another argument over a toy when you’ve got a mountain of them?!”
Or, “Really?” when what I really mean is, “Why on earth did I bother getting up today?”
“Please, don’t do that again!” is often just a cover for, “Kiddo, if you don’t stop, I might just lose it right here!”
And when I say, “It’s OK. Accidents happen,” what I’m really thinking is, “Oh my goodness, this is the last straw. I’m going to end up curled in a ball in the corner, and when your dad comes home, he’ll find me completely unhinged!”
Parenting is a wild emotional ride. You experience an array of feelings that can swing from joy to exasperation in mere minutes. It’s a blend of love, frustration, hope, and sheer madness, all wrapped into one exhausting yet beautiful journey. But there are those moments when the sparkle of parenthood dims, and that’s when I wish I could be brutally honest with my kids about my thoughts:
- Honestly, I don’t want to go to your after-school activities either! I’d rather not worry about uniforms, snacks, or the endless whining on days you’d rather not go. And can we talk about the uncomfortable seating? My backside is sore, and I’m bored!
- When you read to me, I fight the urge to finish your sentences. I know you’re learning, but it takes all my willpower not to yell, “It’s ‘brown bear,’ for crying out loud! How many times do you need to sound it out?” Instead, I smile and nod.
- I sometimes wish you would just go to sleep without needing me to tuck you in. Some nights, I can’t wait for bedtime so I can enjoy some me-time on the couch with chocolate and my phone.
- There are days I don’t want to kiss your boo-boos. Sometimes I know you’re just being dramatic, but I have to resist the urge to scoop you up and shower you with affection when you’re clearly fine.
- I’d prefer not to bathe you or remind you to shower. I’d rather not deal with the mess or your protests when water gets in your face. Seriously, do you not notice you stink, especially as a tween?
- I loathe homework more than you do! I know you won’t remember most of what you’re learning, and while I pretend to help, I’m actually just trying to keep my sanity as you write at a snail’s pace.
- Water outings can be a nightmare. I’d rather be relaxing in the sun than playing lifeguard while you shout for attention every few seconds. And why do you need to pee right after getting in the water?
- Family dinner time isn’t always a joy. I sometimes don’t like what I made, and when you complain, I have to stifle the urge to launch my dinner across the table!
- Your interests can bore me to tears. I want to support you, but when you go on about the latest game or movie, I’m really just hoping for a distraction.
- Like you, I worry sometimes. I try to act confident, but I’m scared too. I wonder if my fears affect you and if you can see through my facade.
- I wish I could control every aspect of your life. Sending you out into the world is terrifying, and while I know you need to make mistakes, it kills me to let go.
- More than anything, I wish you understood how deeply I love you. This love is beyond anything you’ll know until you have kids of your own, and when you do, you’ll realize just how much I do for you.
Parenthood is a whirlwind of challenges and joys, and sometimes it’s okay to admit the tough truths. If you’re interested in more insights on parenting and fertility, be sure to check out this post on home insemination and navigate your parenting journey with confidence.
Summary: This article candidly explores the raw emotions and hidden frustrations of parenting. It highlights the internal struggles parents face while balancing love and exasperation in their daily lives with their children.