Hey there, parents—don’t fret; I’m not here to preach about cherishing every moment. I totally get it. The weight of endless responsibilities can feel overwhelming, and sometimes you might feel like you’ve got nothing left to give—physically and emotionally. Who would want to hold onto that feeling of being stretched too thin, every part of you drained like a conscientious hunter using every bit of their catch?
I still remember the tension in my back after the arrival of my third little one. One day, I had a brilliant idea: I decided to put my 5- and 2-year-olds in the tub. The plan was to contain their wildness long enough to nurse the baby. Picture this: I’m sitting in the bathroom, the wooden stool digging into my legs, hunched over and trying to shove my sore nipple into the newborn’s mouth, all while keeping an eye out for signs of the other two taking an unexpected dive. It should have been a nightmare, yet somehow, it became a highlight of my day—a true parenting hack. But let me tell you, I was wiped out afterwards!
Then the baby got big enough to sit up, and the oldest learned to read. Suddenly, bath time became a bit easier. I could fill the tub with just enough water, squeeze everyone in, and hop into the shower while my first-grader curled up with a book nearby. Sure, I couldn’t indulge in a nice shave, and I had to keep pacifiers handy to prevent them from sipping on shampoo suds, but I could finally wash my hair!
Fast forward to yesterday—my three kids now are 7, 5, and 2 ½. I can leave the room while they bathe! As long as I turn off the music and listen for any sudden splashes or thuds, I can actually finish the dishes and tidy up the kitchen. I hear their adorable chatter and imaginative scenarios (“Okay, I’ll be the baby, and you can be the dragon!”), and it makes me smile.
Exercise has become part of the routine too. The youngest sits in the stroller with a stack of board books while the “big kids” zip around on scooters. “Let’s race, Mommy! Go faster!” Sure, someone will eventually fall or get bored, but I just count those stops as interval training.
I’ll admit, there are still days when I wish for a short escape, maybe a mild appendicitis, just a few hours to myself while someone else handles the cooking and cleaning. But those feelings are becoming less frequent. I’m like a dog who finally got a retractable leash after years of being kept close to heel. I still have moments when I’m stuck, but more often than not, I have some space to breathe and enjoy a bit of peace.
And no, it’s not because my kids are now typical surly teens locked away in their rooms. Every night, my son still asks, “Can you come to my bed?” and each time, I do. I even take my time during story time now, no longer racing through the pages to make lunches since they can now dry off, put away their clothes, and pick their own books.
Sure, I missed many moments in the chaos of early parenting, but I didn’t miss everything. It turns out there’s plenty of time between those exhausting postpartum years and the eventual independence that follows. I still sit on the floor building train tracks, play chase at the park, and snuggle up. Now, I cherish those moments, trying to capture them in my memory like some sort of sentimental collage. I find joy in her determined little face when she insists, “No, I do it!”
They say the days are long, but the years fly by—and it’s absolutely true. However, there comes a time when both the hours and years are just right, when you can slow down and soak in the love without feeling like you’re just trying to survive.
So, don’t beat yourself up if you’re not always upbeat or if you forget to turn “no” into “yes.” Just get through today. The roses will still be there when you’re ready to appreciate them. Trust me, mine are. Their fragrance calls to me, and I don’t hesitate to bury my nose in their soft petals.
With love,
Mom of Slightly Older Kids
For more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out some excellent resources like March of Dimes for pregnancy tips or Make a Mom for home insemination kits. And for more tips on the journey, don’t forget to explore our other blog post on intracervical insemination.
Summary: This piece captures the chaotic yet rewarding experience of parenting young children, emphasizing the balance between overwhelming responsibilities and cherished moments. As the children grow, parents slowly find more time for themselves while still nurturing their relationships, all while acknowledging the unique challenges that come with early parenting.