It should be said that I have really good kids. They don't run away from me while crossing streets, they don't throw tantrums in grocery stores, and for the most part they stay in their beds from 7:00 to 7:00 every night. But sometimes the whole mothering thing really kicks my butt. Especially when it's so cold outside that you can't go anywhere. Today for example I got so frustrated that I while I was trying to make my morning smoothie I threw the box of spinach across the room. That's a really bad idea because #1 then the kids think that's a healthy way to deal with stress and #2 I then have to go over and clean it all up. For the last several weeks I've been racking my brain trying to come up with things to make this whole thing more bearable and here's my first brilliant idea:
I completely cut myself out of the morning whine fest by getting all their breakfast stuff ready for them the night before. This has been a sacrifice because I like to feed them eggs or oatmeal in the mornings to keep them full a little longer but not having to deal with breakfast is worth having to feed them a snack by 10.
They leave me quite a little mess to clean up but still.....worth it.
The other thing is I bought myself a new monster stroller. Can you believe this thing? I found it at a childrens consignment store for a great price so I grabbed it. I had sort of made a personal promise to myself to never be caught dead pushing around a monstrosity like this but I realized this is where we're at now. Plus you can put a infant seat in it so we should actually all be able to go somewhere without some of us getting to tired to walk.
In all honesty though I can really get myself into a panic attack thinking about what's coming and how I feel like I'm failing the 3 I already have. How does that Octomom do it? Sometimes I feel like I am not cut out to be a mom. I'm too selfish. I just want to be left alone and that's not part of the deal when you have kids. The other day I locked myself in the bathroom and took a bath, while they all screamed and pounded on the door. I feel bad talking about it like this because like I said I have really good kids but I wonder if someone else could do it better. Like a small team including a maid, a cook, and a nanny.
8 comments:
I hear you. Sometimes I run away from LiLi when she's whining and crying at me. I know it's bad, but, it adds some comic relief to my life.
You should know that you are a wonderful mom, though. I seriously take notes when I read your blog, you have great ideas, amazing food, and fun things for your kids to do. No small team could do what you do. Hang in there.
I totally feel you! Thanks for this post. I know I'm not alone in my lack of sanity.
Good tactics to help yourself out! I realized a long time ago that as soon as I promised myself I would never do something, I would end up being in a position where I would have to do it. Like a minivan. It is just so darn convenient. I've locked myself in my room plenty of times. I think doors locks are there to help us find ways to force breaks on ourselves. It often comes as a last resort, but when it comes the kids miraculously find ways to entertain themselves. Isn't funny how kids are awesome for babysitters but monsters for you? I totally understand feeling like you have such great little kids but then feel like you can't deal with them yourself. They just need Mommy and are a little whinier and a little more clingy to you than anyone else. Thanks for posting this! :)
Hey, I missed seeing you on Sunday. But I am so glad you posted this. This may sound strange but I look up to you as a mom. Wish I was more like you....I see you as super woman for sure and I feel like a horrid mom all the time because I usually let them watch TV because I don't want them or us to fight. You do great though, way better then I ever have. Keep it up!
I'm with you too. You are doing an awesome job. I am always so inspired by all the fun things you do with your kids and I wonder how you do it. I have heard several moms and know from my own experience that it is okay to take a time out. If it keeps you from going crazy do it and don't feel bad about it. My doctor even says it's okay to let the baby cry for a bit than to go insane. They will be fine. You are doing great.
You know what I ended up doing - I took myself out on a date! I went to Carraba's and spent and hour and a half in a quiet booth all by myself eating delicious food and reading my Ensign. Then I went to a bookstore and looked at cookbooks and craft books. Then I went to a movie. all.by.my.self. It was awesome. I saw Country Strong with Gywneth Paltrow. I really like being with me. I'm fun! It took a couple hours before all the stress and aggression melted away and when it was time to go home I was excited to see my kids. I was happy to clean up the toys and start the dishwasher. I think I might do that more often!
Great idea, Brielle! Oh, your kids are sure cute - Lottie's dress is adorable! Do they pour their own cereal? And I LOVE your stroller...that is great-it'll be handy, especially with 4!
You know what? You just need to remember that YOU are the best mother for YOUR children. Your kids are beautiful, happy, wonderful little children and that's because of YOU....despite spinach throwing tantrums. I threw a box of crackers last week if that's any consolation. ;) Also I LOVE your comment about taking yourself out on a date, I will need to do that sometime....if my husband ever comes home for longer than a day and a half (but that's another story.) Love ya Brielle!
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