Parenting
I’m utterly wiped out! Let’s not kid ourselves—parenting is a relentless challenge.
First off, I’m exhausted from waking at 2 a.m., feeling like I’m in a sauna rather than a cozy bed. It’s not the sultry kind of hot; it’s the sweaty, awake-at-the-wrong-time kind. Meanwhile, my partner is buried under layers of blankets, blissfully oblivious to my plight. Despite the blackout curtains doing their best to keep the light out, I still find myself blasting the A/C to what feels like Arctic levels, capable of turning my son’s morning dash to the bathroom into a frosty sprint.
I’m also fed up with waking up at 6 a.m. already feeling drained. The loud sound of my son’s morning routine pierces through my fatigue, and my neck is in excruciating pain. Pillows have become my sworn enemies; as soon as I find one that feels comfortable, it betrays me, much like the unpredictable moods of teenagers. I call this the “mom pain,” a blend of neck and shoulder tension that I’m convinced will only vanish once the kids are out of the house. And let’s not even talk about the “mom pain” that comes from family visits and unsolicited advice. Thankfully, a bit of yoga can ease both kinds, but finding the time to practice my Zen is another story.
I’m tired of hovering over my kids like a helicopter. Instead, I embrace “detachment parenting.” Sure, I might schedule some family activities, but don’t expect me to join in on every game. “Kids, be creative! You’re lucky to have so many siblings to play with,” I remind them, all the while hoping for just a few moments of peace to myself.
And don’t get me started on the endless battle against screen time. It’s perfectly okay to be bored or play outside instead of being glued to a screen. No, Fortnite is not suitable for your age, as stated by Common Sense Media, and honestly, I’m not alone in my stance. The debate over getting an iPhone before high school is tiresome. Remember, Bill Gates didn’t even give his children smartphones until they were older. Trust me, the flip phone you’ll get in middle school is “Flipping Awesome” for all your talk and text needs without the addiction.
Marriage feels like a job, especially with four kids in the mix. We look less like lovebirds and more like weary parents in every picture. After 23 years, resilience is what keeps us going, and we model that for our kids daily. A good dose of screen time for them gives us a chance to sneak away for a date—oh, the irony!
I’m also tired of being told I’m too sensitive. My feelings run deep, and at 2 a.m., I find myself wrestling with the covers while contemplating world peace. Speaking of which, I’m utterly fatigued by the news. The sensationalism, the reality of lockdown drills at schools, and the ongoing conversations about securing gun safety for our children’s visits to friends’ homes weigh heavily on me. I’m tired of the increasing cost of college and fighting for justice with movements like #MeToo. I worry about climate change and whether my grandchildren will have a planet to call home.
No wonder I’m lying awake at 2 a.m., drenched in sweat while my family remains comfortably chilly. I’m anxious for my children’s futures and hope they surround themselves with positive influences. There’s truly no rest for the weary when the ideals of peace and acceptance feel like mere slogans.
Oh, and I’ve just realized why my hormones are all over the place—great, just what I needed! Today, I pushed my limits and ran faster than I thought possible, perhaps fueled by a glimmer of gratitude for my health and family. The endorphins washed over me as the sun warmed my face. I’ve earned this exhaustion, and I have no regrets! I can always catch up on sleep once the kids leave the nest.
While running, my worries faded, at least until 2 a.m., and I found the strength to keep going as a parent and partner. “Kids, we’re off to the pool for some family fun!” I announced, channeling my inner rock star, as they begrudgingly paused their screens.
To all the parents out there, sleep well knowing you’re not alone in this struggle. Honestly, I’m not quite sure how I managed to write this. You can bet my family will be bundled up under blankets tonight!
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Summary
Parenting is a relentless journey filled with sleepless nights, screen-time battles, and the exhaustion of balancing marriage and family life. While the challenges are daunting, moments of gratitude and connection with our children remind us of the joy amidst the chaos. Hang in there, fellow parents!