It has come to my attention that I am perceived to be the author of mushy tributes to my kids.
Funny enough, I was thinking the exact same thing a couple days before I read Ron Doyle’s description of my blog, which happens to be one of the winners of his Ripe Tomato Award for Blogging Excellence. (Have I mentioned that before? I have? Sorry, I’m just so excited about it…) I’ve noticed that my posts have been all sunshine, flowers and unicorns lately, which is most definitely not how life is all the time.
I happen to be going through a really good period in my parenting life right now, which is refreshing and nice and, frankly, makes me happy. Like everything though, parenting has its ups and downs and there have been some pretty crappy, sea-scum-low periods in my slightly-over-11-years-long career.
We’ve most likely all been there; the kids finally get on our last nerve and before we’ve thought about it, a loud roar/yell comes out of our mouths that actually causes our own hearts to pound, it’s so startling. Times like these can cause us to seriously question our parenting capabilities.
Then there are the days when we may even question the wisdom of having had kids in the first place. My at-times envious thoughts: Was this kid thing really a good plan? Michelle and Ken don’t have any kids and they have so much more time, freedom and money than I do. I’d love to not have to worry about what I’m going to try to get my kids to eat tonight or how I’m going to deal with shots at next week’s well-child-check. Wouldn’t it be amazing to be able to go somewhere at a moment’s notice or buy more of the things I want?
My guess is that I’m not alone in this way of thinking. Being a parent is not an easy job. If you think it is, then I assure you, you are not doing it properly. It’s easy to just let your kids eat/watch/do whatever they want. It’s a continuous battle to monitor those things, teach them, love them and discipline them.
My mother-in-law told me something while I was still pregnant with my daughters that has always stuck with me. “Being a mother is a real sacrifice,” she said. “It’s a constant sacrificing of yourself, your wants, your desires, your needs. But there’s nothing better.” She was, of course, absolutely right.
So lest you think that I’m of the “this-parenting-thing-is-so-amazingly-wonderfully-spectacularly-mind-blowingly-perfect” mindset, let me set you straight: I’m not. It’s not. It never has been and never will be. For anyone. No matter what they tell you.
What do you see as your biggest obstacle as a parent?
What do you see as your biggest obstacle as a parent?
Myself. Plain and simple.
You pegged it in this post. Parenting is tough. Sometimes you erupt like Mt. Saint Helens, making the kids cry. And feel like scum afterward. Then you pick up the pieces and move on.
I’d say for me the biggest obstacle is my level of anxiety. I feel that it has an impact on my parenting ability, therefore, it is something I will endeavour to work on.
So true, Kathy.
I used to be a terribly anxious parent myself. I learned a great deal from my mother-in-law, who is one of the most patient and laid-back people on the planet. She never worried about anything. Whenever she was around, I felt calm and secure, and I have endeavored to be like that myself ever since. I think, for the most part, it has worked. It takes a lot to phase me too much these days. It’s a daily choice, that’s for sure.
Good for you for recognizing that about yourself. It’s often hard to look at our weaknesses, so kudos for seeing yours! You’re a great example for other parents.
Yes, I do think you’re the author of mushy tributes, but you’re so much more than that! I gave you the Ripe Tomato award because you paint the parenting picture using the whole palette, and that’s what makes you great.
I will admit, however, that when I’m feeling a little spiky and want to chuck my children in the dumpster, your mushy posts soften me up and make me adore my kids for who they are—but you’re right, parenting is so much more than all that.
In any case, you rock!
Aw, Ron, thank you! You’re so kind.
I, too, read my mushy tributes when I’m feeling like taking off screaming into the nearest pasture. It definitely puts things into perspective. =)
And, in case you didn’t know, you rock too!