Parenting is a well-known marathon of exhaustion. From the sleepless nights of those early months to the endless chasing at the playground, the battles during bath time, and everything in between—it can all feel overwhelmingly tiring. However, it’s not just the significant events that drain our energy; it’s the little things too—those mundane tasks that shouldn’t leave you gasping for coffee, yet somehow do, day in and day out.
- Grinning
You have to muster a smile for your kids when you’re feeling joyful, and even when you’re not. Whether they’re achieving something minor or throwing a fit in a store, a smile must be painted on your face constantly. Science may argue that frowning requires more energy than smiling, but I’m not convinced. Keeping a smile on all day is no small feat. - Chatting
Ah, the joy of conversation—remember when it was just normal talk? Now, it feels like a full-time job to infuse enthusiasm into every word. Cheering for your child’s slide descent or explaining life lessons for the umpteenth time can be exhausting. Honestly, public speakers probably don’t engage in as much dialogue as parents do, and they get paid for it. Where’s my paycheck? - Hearing
When you’re not speaking, you’re on the receiving end of a constant stream of chatter from your little ones. They express every thought without a filter, and by 8 a.m., you might feel like tearing your ears off. It’s like the tongue is their most powerful muscle, and you have to endure it all. At the end of the day, I often crave silence—no sounds, not even the soothing pour of whiskey into my drink. - Being Affectionate
Kids have an uncanny ability to sap your energy with their endless need for physical affection. They’re always climbing on you, tugging at you, and touching you in every way imaginable. And then, after a day filled with that, your partner wants to cuddle? Seriously? After a day of non-stop closeness, a sensory deprivation chamber would be a welcome gift. - Running Errands
I’m not just talking about the grocery store; I mean the short trek to the mailbox. Kids seem to turn every two-step walk into an epic expedition filled with distractions like picking up sticks or examining every rock. I just want to check if my latest magazine has arrived, but that small task can take an eternity. I might as well pack snacks and water for the journey. - Household Tasks
Cleaning used to be a straightforward task, but with kids, it feels like an all-weekend project. Even a simple bathroom clean can take forever when you factor in “help” from little hands or constant interruptions. Just sprinkling some cleaner in the toilet feels like a victory, even if my house isn’t spotless. - Self-Care
We’ve all heard the jokes about how a mom should get an award for showering twice a week, and it’s all too true. But self-care goes beyond that; it includes shaving, nail trimming, and teeth brushing—all of which often get crammed into multitasking efforts. By the time I’m done, I’m too exhausted to admire my efforts in the mirror.
Simply existing as a semi-clean human shouldn’t feel so draining, yet parenting turns even the simplest tasks into a workout. So, after a long day, consider it a solid 24-hour exercise session and treat yourself to some chocolate, alone, in your own little sensory retreat.
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