Everywhere I look, I’m inundated with messages about cherishing every moment with my kids. It seems like there’s constant pressure to revel in the chaos that fills my home when my kids and their friends are bustling through the kitchen. I can’t help but feel like a bad mom when I hear someone spill a gallon of milk and, while I’m cleaning it up, I’m mentally counting down the days until they’re off to college—not because I’ll miss them, but because I need a break!
Let me clarify: I genuinely love being a mom. Raising two kids who are developing into thoughtful individuals is my proudest achievement. They’re funny, polite, and have a deep appreciation for ‘90s music. Overall, I enjoy the people they are becoming. However, if I’m completely honest, there are definitely parts of motherhood I wouldn’t mind skipping.
1. Cuddling on the Couch
Sure, I adore the sweet smell of my little ones after their baths and they look adorable in their pajamas. I love when they snuggle up to me for bedtime kisses. But after about five minutes of cuddling, I’m ready for them to find a different spot on the couch—preferably one that’s a good distance away from me.
2. Family Trips to Amusement Parks
Gone are the days of spontaneous road trips to amusement parks. Now, planning a family getaway to a theme park involves meticulous detail and a year of preparation. There are special bands to wear, months of pre-booking to avoid long lines, and a frantic hunt for dining reservations. By the time we arrive at the park, I’ve lost all excitement for the fun ahead.
3. Date Nights That Break the Bank
I know I’m supposed to prioritize my marriage with regular date nights, but they can be so costly! Between hiring a babysitter, dining out, and squeezing into that “going out” dress, date nights often feel more like a chore than a treat. Honestly, I’d prefer curling up with my husband on the patio with a glass of wine, wearing my comfy yoga pants. It’s cheaper and way more relaxing!
4. Throwing Birthday Celebrations
I must admit—I dread organizing birthday parties. Planning a theme, shopping for party supplies, food, and decorations, and then welcoming a herd of kids into my home to wreak havoc just doesn’t sound appealing. And who wants to host a party at a germ-ridden venue where kids might come home sick from too much pizza? Not me!
5. Breakfast in Bed
What would I like for Mother’s Day? Peace and a pedicure, please! What I don’t want is breakfast in bed from my kids. The process usually starts with me trying to enjoy some extra sleep, only to end with a messy kitchen after I’ve eaten burnt toast and soggy cereal. Let’s just go out for breakfast, kids!
6. The Bedtime Routine
I relish the tranquil sounds of silence when my kids finally fall asleep, but the three-hour lead-up to that point is a nightmare. The reminders to bathe, brush their teeth, and turn off their screens can drive anyone mad. It feels like bedtime chaos has only escalated as they’ve grown!
7. Halloween Madness
Halloween has transformed into a spectacle over the years. When you have toddlers, it can feel like a special brand of chaos. From creepy costumes to wandering around in the dark, the combination of too much candy and cranky kids makes Halloween my least favorite holiday.
8. The Night Before Any Holiday
I’ll admit, I’m not the best at planning ahead for holidays. I’m the mom who realizes just days before that I need to prepare Easter baskets or fill stockings at midnight. While I do love seeing my kids’ excitement on Christmas morning, the stress of last-minute shopping in crowded stores is not my idea of fun.
As I mentioned, I truly love being a mom, but I can’t be the only one who finds some of these so-called “special moments” more exhausting than enjoyable. I know I’m not alone; I can see the same overwhelmed look in the eyes of every mom posing with cartoon characters in my social media feed.
Solidarity, fellow moms! After all, Mickey and Minnie never had kids, so they don’t understand our trials and tribulations.
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Summary
In summary, while motherhood is filled with joyful moments, there are aspects that many moms find less than delightful, from the chaos of birthday parties to the stress of holiday preparations. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and find solidarity with other parents who share similar experiences.