I adore my kids deeply—it’s a love that feels limitless and fierce, the kind that would drive me to do anything for them. But let’s be honest: that kind of love can be utterly draining. Motherhood is a marathon of exhaustion. Just because my heart is full doesn’t mean I always embrace the daily chaos that comes with it. Sometimes, I find myself wishing I could mentally escape just to survive the madness.
1. Weekend Lunchtimes
During my teen years, I worked at a diner, and let’s just say, my waitressing skills left much to be desired. Fast forward to today, and I find myself juggling every role from chef to dishwasher in my own home. The kicker? I have no time to flirt with the cute dishwasher—I am the dishwasher! At least during weekdays, I can prep lunches in peace while they’re still asleep and avoid the complaints about ice levels in their drinks.
2. Naptime Battles
Getting my 4-year-old to nap is a Herculean task. Enter Curious George, who only appears on Netflix, which relies on Comcast. If my cable service falters, so does the chance of a peaceful nap. It’s a constant struggle!
3. Project Completion
Cleaning out the garage fridge has become the project from hell. Every time I make progress, a child suddenly needs my help for something urgent. Whether it’s fetching a book for the 9-year-old or dealing with the baby’s climbing escapades, I am left with little time for personal projects.
4. Helping with Their Projects
When my 4-year-old needed to color a project, it quickly turned into a battle of wills. He loves coloring, but as soon as I got involved, it became a standoff. After promising him chocolate and a marathon of Candy Land, I finally got him to cooperate. I shudder to think about middle school projects.
5. Homework Time Chaos
My 9-year-old generally manages his homework well, but that’s the exact moment his younger brother decides to turn our house into a war zone with Nerf guns or belting out holiday tunes. It’s like living in a circus—only not the fun kind.
6. Breaks from School
The last few days of any school break can feel like an eternity. Three weeks off can turn my brain into mush, and I wonder how teachers manage to keep their sanity during the long stretches of time.
7. Phone Conversations
If I ever want my kids to be attentive, I just need to make a phone call. Suddenly, they’re all over me, turning a simple chat with a friend into a long discussion about each other’s kids’ mischief.
8. Sibling Feuds
The fighting between my kids is relentless. Even the simplest moments can escalate into all-out war. I once observed a squabble over who got to hold the baby. “There’s plenty of baby love to go around” didn’t settle the argument at all!
9. Catching Lies
As my oldest becomes a tween, I’m starting to catch him in little fibs. It’s frustrating and disheartening. Doesn’t he realize he can confide in me? I might not always like the truth, but I will always love him. He needs to learn this lesson quickly!
10. When They’re Not Home
Sometimes, I wish for a moment of peace—just a minute to think or even to use the bathroom without an audience. But when my kids are away, I find myself missing them fiercely and worrying about their well-being, even when they’re with trusted friends. It’s a funny thing about being a mom: my heart feels incomplete when one of them is absent.
Being a mom is a wild ride filled with ups and downs. For more insights on the journey of parenthood, check out our piece on navigating home insemination experiences here.