Updated: August 11, 2023
Originally Published: January 4, 2023
Today, I discovered one of my twins having a swim in the toilet. Yes, there was pee involved. I scooped him up, scrubbed his hands, and we moved on with our evening.
Just ten minutes later, I caught that same twin munching on dirt from one of the potted plants. So, I whisked him away again, and we carried on with our night.
I can already hear some folks thinking, “Eww! Give that kid a bath!” or “Why weren’t you keeping a closer eye on him?” To that, I say, “BITE ME.”
Let me share my reality: I’m just barely making it through the day as a mom. For instance, when one of my kids takes a tumble, I don’t lose my cool (or freak out over toilet water). I’m not into Pinterest, I don’t buy organic foods, and I don’t even check the labels on my kids’ shampoo bottles. When meal time rolls around, I’m frantically asking each child what they want to eat while digging through frozen food options (thank goodness for microwaves).
On school days, I’m rifling through their backpacks for homework just moments before the bus arrives, all while trying to wrestle dog food away from the baby.
If you were to drop by unannounced, you’d find clean laundry piled high on the couch, snacks scattered across the kitchen counter (and likely in the couch cushions too). Homework is strewn throughout the living room, dining room, and, well, the entire house. Dirty socks are lining the hallways, toothpaste is stuck to the bathroom wall (I honestly don’t know how), and toys are everywhere.
Let’s not forget how kids can be downright crusty, and I’m not just talking about their personalities. They’re sticky, smelly little creatures. Despite my best efforts to keep everything tidy, they seem to spend their days getting crustier, stickier, and stinkier. So, that whole toilet and dirt incident is just a small brushstroke on a much larger mess.
I know there are parents who seem to have it all figured out, and to them, I say, “Pin a rose on your nose.” You know what? This is my version of having it together. Even with my laid-back approach, my family is genuinely happy and, dare I say, pretty “normal” (whatever that means).
My kids laugh often, and our home may not resemble a showroom, but it’s filled with memories (and messes). I can see their happiness, which is genuine and unfiltered. I do my best: my kids are always dressed nicely, their hair is combed, they don’t just eat junk food, and I ensure their homework is completed. Most importantly, they know how to treat others with respect and stand up for what they believe. So, my life isn’t merely chaotic.
I thrive on a mix of procrastination and urgency. It’s just how I operate. But if kids reflect their parents and their surroundings, mine will grow up filled with love and a great sense of humor. Our life may resemble an episode of a sitcom, but I’m okay with that. We’re not chasing perfection; we’re just trying to get through the day like everyone else.
If I accomplish nothing else in my life, I can confidently say that I love these kids with all my heart. No amount of perfection can replace that.
So, here’s to all the moms and dads out there just getting by like me. I salute you, and I offer my unwavering support. Cherish those little ones, and they will return that love tenfold. Nothing compares to that feeling—not even a spotless home.
And just to clarify, my twin did get a bath that night. We’re not total animals, after all.
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In summary, parenting is a chaotic journey filled with laughter, love, and a bit of mess. We may not have it all together, but our hearts are full, and that’s what truly matters.