Truth be told, we all feel like failures as a parent at some point or another. Some weeks more than others, but in reality, I am convinced we are just crazy.
I will be the first to stand up and admit that I feel this overwhelming feeling much too often. And I let it get the best of me. You see, my husband works out of town Monday thru Thursday, so I’m running a one Momma show during the week. On good weeks he is home on Fridays, but lately because of deadlines, he has worked Friday (and some Saturdays too). You know what? It sucks. And it’s hard enough to keep this kind of traveling schedule when you’re just a married couple without kids. Throw a 2.5 year old and a 15 month old in the mix, and it’s a fantastic commercial for wine!
I kid, I kid. No but really, it’s hard. There are more days than not that I feel incredible amounts of guilt and defeat. I cannot seem to find the balance between maintaining all the things that need to get done on a daily basis, with playing and enjoying our children. If I clean up the kitchen, do laundry, vacuum, etc, I feel guilty that I am not spending time with my babes. If I’m playing or reading with them, I feel terrible that I am letting the house go. There really isn’t a happy medium, but there IS a silver lining.
I am not alone, and I am here to tell you that you are not either. We, as mothers, protectors, are in this together. And just knowing that small little tidbit is enough to get me through another day. My grandmother always told me that the days are long but the years are short. Oh the wisdom she spoke. We are blinking and months are going by. It’s too quick for me, and I dread the thought of letting life pass me by worrying about things I cannot change. There are going to be days when they watch more tv than I would like them to because there is something that needs to be done, and there will be days when the dishes pile up because I am outside playing tag. And I am here to tell you that it is ok. So take comfort today (and everyday) knowing that you’re part of the tribe of mothers. We all go through it. And we come out on the other side. It is going to be a great week, friends…
