I adore my kids. The kind of love I feel for them is something I never knew was possible—a wild, intense, I’d-jump-in-front-of-a-bus-for-you kind of love. But, wow, that love can be downright draining! Being a mom is a full-time gig that often leaves me feeling mentally zapped. Just because I care deeply doesn’t mean I enjoy every single task that comes with motherhood. Trust me, you could find more brain stimulation working at the local post office than in the daily grind of being a Stay-at-Home-Mom. There are definitely moments where I just need to mentally check out to keep my sanity intact.
1. Weekend Lunch Rush
Back in my teenage years, I was a server at a diner, and let me tell you, I was not cut out for it. Cold soup? Check. Mixed-up salad dressings? You bet. Now, in the chaos of motherhood, I find myself juggling the roles of chef, waitress, and cleanup crew all at once. And let’s not forget—the cute dishwasher? Yep, that’s me too. At least during the week, I can make lunches while they’re asleep and avoid the complaints about ice in their cups.
2. Nap Time Negotiations
My 4-year-old refuses to nap unless he can watch Curious George, which requires Netflix, which in turn needs Comcast. So, guess what? Naps often don’t happen, and boy, does he need one!
3. Project Disruptions
I’ve been trying to clean out the garage fridge for weeks now. Just when I think I can get it done, someone needs a book from the top shelf, or my youngest is showing off his new trick—farting on command. So yeah, progress on projects? Not happening.
4. Preschool Coloring Crisis
My 4-year-old had a coloring project, and you’d think I was asking him to solve world hunger. The moment I got involved, it turned into a full-blown battle of wills. I had to bribe him with chocolate and multiple rounds of Candy Land. Can’t wait for middle school homework!
5. Homework Chaos
My 9-year-old generally gets his homework done, but it’s always the moment his younger brother decides to unleash a barrage of Nerf bullets or belt out “Frosty the Snowman.” Our home resembles a zoo, but not the cute family movie kind.
6. Long Breaks
Three weeks off for winter break felt like an eternity. Any parent who claims otherwise is probably a teacher.
7. Phone Calls = Instant Attention Seekers
The moment I pick up the phone, it’s like a siren call for the kids. Suddenly, they need everything from snacks to my undivided attention. If you want to truly connect with friends who are also parents, just try having a phone conversation while managing kids!
8. Sibling Fights
The fights are relentless. The sweetest moments can escalate into World War III in seconds. I once watched my boys argue about who got to play with the baby, as if there was a limited supply of attention to go around.
9. Catching Lies
As my oldest transitions into tweenhood, I’ve caught him in quite a few fibs. It’s frustrating and a bit disheartening. Doesn’t he know he can be honest with me? I may not always love what I hear, but my love for him is unwavering.
10. Missing Them
It might sound ridiculous, but there are times I wish for a moment of peace—just a minute to breathe or think without someone clinging to me. Yet when they’re not around, I miss them fiercely and worry endlessly, even when they’re with trusted caregivers. That’s the paradox of motherhood, isn’t it? They carry pieces of my heart, and it feels whole only when we’re all under one roof.
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To sum up, motherhood is a wild ride filled with ups and downs, and while we may wish for a break sometimes, our love for our little ones never fades.