“What on earth happened here?” was my husband’s first reaction when he walked in last week. I can’t fault him for asking; I’d have had the same question in his shoes. The scene was chaotic—our dress-up box was emptied across the living room, art supplies were strewn all over the playroom floor, and ribbons hung from the furniture like festive decorations. I was a disheveled mess, and the kids? They were running around in their birthday suits.
That day had been a whirlwind. We arrived at our 9 a.m. swim lesson only to find the parking lot packed due to a school swimming event. Just as I was getting the stroller out, rain started pouring. I dropped my toddler off with her grandparents and headed out with the baby for a quick lunch. Of course, disrupted nap schedules lead to a cranky baby, and to top it all off, my potty-training toddler had a major accident that I’ll spare you the details of.
However, the highlight of the day was a scheduled playdate. I couldn’t have been more relieved when the doorbell rang. My daughter and her friend transformed into princesses and mermaids, lions and dragons, hosting an extravagant “party” filled with ribbons, stickers, and hand-drawn invitations. It was an afternoon full of laughter and creativity.
While the kids were immersed in their imaginative play, my friend and I enjoyed cups of tea and chatted about everything—life, the ups and downs of parenting threenagers, holidays, work, and more. Aside from the occasional request for water or snacks, we were largely uninterrupted. Before we knew it, it was 6 p.m., and we wrapped up the playdate just in time to dive into the dinner/bath/bed routine.
Some days, I feel like I’m on top of the world. I manage to get both kids to sleep at the same time. I tackle emails, keep the house tidy, and serve dinner on time. Those days feel effortless, and I’m in control.
But then there are the other days. The ones where toys are scattered throughout the house, laundry sits neglected in the washing machine, and dinner consists of chicken nuggets and cheese slices. Bath time? Forgotten. Bedtime? A bit too relaxed for my liking.
I genuinely enjoy preparing dinner for my family and taking pride in a tidy home. I love knowing everyone has clean clothes and gets into freshly made beds. But I also cherish tea, friendship, and moments of solitude. Sometimes, I wish to enjoy all of these things simultaneously without having to shout commands across the house: “Pick that up!” or “Stop leaving toys in the hallway!” At times, I just want to shut the door and leave the mess for another day.
Ultimately, we do what we must—whether it’s placing a crying baby in their crib for a moment of peace or sharing a cup of tea with a friend while our kids race through the house, leaving a trail of chaos behind them. What’s the point of a spotless home if it leaves you feeling drained and overwhelmed? It’s crucial to care for yourself just like you would for your children or even those shoes you keep tucked away to maintain their pristine condition.
So, as I was prepping dinner and my husband posed his question, I took a moment to observe the mess around me. I knew cleaning it up would take time, but I was content. My kids were joyous, and a tough morning had blossomed into a delightful afternoon filled with laughter. I turned to my husband and smiled, “Sanity happened here.”
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In summary, balancing the chaos of parenting can be overwhelming, but sometimes allowing messiness is the key to maintaining sanity. Embrace the laughter and the moments of connection, even amidst the disorder.