My partner had barely walked through the door after work when I was already slipping out. My mission? To escape. Away from my kids, and honestly, I didn’t care where I was headed, as long as it was peaceful and solitary.
For a long time, I felt guilty about this need for a break. The idea of admitting that I sometimes couldn’t stand my kids felt shameful, like I’d be branded as a bad parent or ungrateful. I worried that if I shared my true feelings about needing to run away for a few hours, you might judge me. But now, I’ve come to realize that you likely have those days too.
So what drives me to dash out the door before my partner even settles in? Simply put: some days, I just can’t stand my kids.
It’s not that I don’t love them dearly; they are my sunshine and my joy. They constantly make me laugh and push me to step outside my comfort zone. My life is undeniably #blessed because of them. But let’s face it—they are still little humans.
And do you know what that means? They can be downright irritating sometimes.
There are mornings when my son wakes up on the wrong side of the bed, and the only way he communicates is through relentless whining. From the first light of dawn until bedtime, all I get is that high-pitched sound that literally makes me want to tear my hair out.
Some days, my daughter wakes up, having decided she’s the expert on everything, ready to argue about every little thing I say or do. It’s a full day of head-butting, and I’m not having it.
These are the days when I can’t stand my kids.
On those days, the constant bickering feels endless. Something always gets broken, and every meal I serve is met with disdain. Bath time becomes a torture session, and anything I suggest is met with shrieks. The moment I sit down, it seems to signal them to engage in mischief, and I find crayons hidden in the most unexpected places.
I know this sounds like a rant, but it’s more than just venting. It’s my way of saying it’s perfectly normal to have days like these. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and admit that you can’t stand your child’s voice for a moment. It’s fine to tell your daughter that you can’t handle another question today. Feeling suffocated by motherhood is a valid experience, and acknowledging it is important.
Taking a break to recharge is not just acceptable; it’s necessary. Little kids, like all humans, have their moments (and sometimes weeks) where they can be particularly challenging, making you want to run away just for a moment of peace.
But here’s the thing: you love them. You would never actually leave them for good. Recognizing that children can be tough sometimes doesn’t make you a bad parent; it makes you a real one. We need more parents who are honest about the struggles of raising kids, so we don’t feel pressured to always present a perfect facade.
Life is complex. Parenting is complex. Admitting that can be freeing.
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In summary, it’s okay to admit that some days are harder than others when it comes to parenting. Embrace the chaos, take your breaks, and remember you’re not alone in this journey.