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Trust Me, It Only Gets Tougher
by Jenna Morris
Updated: Sep. 6, 2015
Originally Published: Sep. 6, 2015
Having kids close in age comes with its advantages. They always have a playmate by their side, and you never feel the need to start the entire parenting journey from scratch since you’re already deep into it. You quickly master the art of juggling multiple tasks simultaneously, preparing you for whatever surprises life throws your way—literally.
You endure sleepless nights all at once, year after year, and the bags under your eyes become a permanent accessory that you no longer notice—they just seem to fit. Chaos is your constant companion, to the point where you may not even realize the spectacle you’re creating in public. If you did, you’d likely just roll your eyes at yourself as each new antic unfolds.
I, for one, cherish my chaotic life. This whirlwind of activity is the normalcy I’ve always wished for. Honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for a serene, organized, or well-rested lifestyle. But yes, to those questioning my sanity, the answer is yes—I may have lost it long ago!
When you take a crew like mine out in public, people are typically divided into two camps. Some are enchanted by your lively little ones, oohing and aahing at their antics, while others seem to loathe every moment spent in your vicinity—irritated by every movement and sound.
You might think fellow parents would cut you some slack, understanding the struggles of navigating grocery aisles with three shopping carts and three wailing children, or occupying three times the room on a sidewalk with a double stroller. But alas, judgment often comes from those who should be allies in this chaotic adventure.
Negative comments are everywhere, at the grocery store, church, parks, even during family visits. These “helpful” remarks seem to come at the worst times. For instance, when your baby is tossing a fit in the shopping cart, and someone leans over to say, “Just wait, it only gets tougher.”
Or when your toddler is yelling in church, and an older lady reassures you, “It’s a phase, but hold on tight. You’ll wish for this later.” Then there’s the park incident, where your child falls and scrapes their knee, and a bystander chimes in, “Just wait until you have to worry about them going out with friends. This will seem trivial.”
When kids are misbehaving in the store, another parent might chuckle and say, “Trust me, it only gets worse.” And in the car, as siblings squabble, someone might comment on how they still bicker as teens.
Family friends, after not seeing you for a while, approach your kids, who promptly hide behind you and refuse to engage. “It’s normal,” they say, “but enjoy it while it lasts; soon they won’t want anything to do with you.”
In moments like these, I often muster a plastic smile and a forced laugh, responding with something like, “Oh, I can only imagine!” But inside, I want to say, “Really? Thanks for the uplifting pep talk! Now I feel so much better!”
Parenting is challenging for everyone, with different fears and battles to face. As a mother, worrying is part of the job description. There will always be new challenges, but we must remain resilient. Why? Because we are warriors in this journey, navigating the ups and downs.
I urge you to remember this: a positive mindset fosters positive outcomes. Be that encouraging voice for the next struggling parent you encounter. A few words of kindness can mean the world.
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Summary:
Navigating parenting with children close in age can bring both joy and chaos. While you might face unsolicited advice and negativity from others, it’s essential to focus on the positives and support one another as parents. Embracing the chaos and maintaining a positive outlook can make all the difference in this wild journey of motherhood.