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Parenting is a Heroic Endeavor
We often hear the question, “How’s it going?” For many years, I responded with the standard replies of “fine” or “good,” even when they didn’t truly reflect my reality. However, after my son was born, those easy answers felt increasingly hollow. You can’t truly share with a stranger who asks, “How’s it going?” when your life feels like a chaotic circus. “My baby cries for hours, and I sometimes run outside just to get a break from the noise. But we’re lucky to have access to great medical care and support. Still, I feel overwhelmed.”
So, I settled on a more socially acceptable response: “I can’t complain.”
As a former professional who made the choice to stay home, I technically have no grounds to complain. Yet, I often find myself wanting to, because parenting can feel like a relentless struggle.
Fast forward six years, and I have a new baby who’s wailing, “Maaa!” over and over, trying to extract more grapes from me, while my 6-year-old is loudly protesting in the background. “It’s so unfair! None of my friends have to do this!” she cries, as I stand in the kitchen, juggling the tasks of cooking chicken sausage, stirring pasta, and roasting Brussels sprouts. My 3-year-old is racing around the room, making a mess of toys and chairs.
After a few minutes of this chaos, I can feel my eyes welling up. I don’t take her accusations to heart, but the tears still fall into the pan, adding an unintended flavor to the meal. I often wish for an escape, a brief respite from the demands of parenting.
Losing sleep, waiting to use the bathroom, feeling a little hungry, or just dealing with the constant noise—these are everyday experiences for parents. They can also mimic some of the stress-inducing techniques described in interrogation manuals, where creating discomfort is a method for breaking down defenses.
Adding a sibling to the mix can certainly bring about a rollercoaster of emotions, swinging from “I love you more than all the stars” to “You’re the meanest mom ever!”
However, while parenting is not torture in the traditional sense, it can feel torturous at times. Only those who have unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher multiple times or navigated the emotional labyrinth of daily life with children can truly understand.
The myth of Sisyphus often symbolizes tedious work, but his struggle resonates with parents like me. His task is hard and, what’s more, it’s an endless cycle of effort. Each time he pushes that boulder up the hill only to have it roll back down, it reflects the daily grind of parenting, where the same chores and challenges seem to repeat endlessly.
So, while I stand before a sink full of dishes, I know I shouldn’t complain. But the urge for a break is ever-present.
If you’re on a journey through parenthood and want to learn more about home insemination, check out this informative post on intracervical insemination. For those looking to expand their family, Make a Mom is an excellent resource for all things related to home insemination. And if you’re considering the process of IUI, this guide on what to expect is invaluable.
In summary, while parenting is undoubtedly challenging, it is also a rewarding journey filled with love and growth. The struggles may feel overwhelming at times, but they contribute to the epic nature of this work.