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Parenting
By Jenna Lewis
Updated: Oct. 10, 2015
Originally Published: Oct. 10, 2015
My daughter, Lucy, is across the table, gleefully spitting food at me. She jabs her finger into a cucumber, watching with delight as it shatters into pieces that tumble to the floor. When I gently remind her that such behavior isn’t appropriate at the table, she stands up and begins jumping on her chair, laughing heartily.
I can’t help but feel like she’s laughing at me, not with me.
It’s one of those days. I glance at the wine rack and notice it’s completely bare. An idea strikes me: if we hurry, we can make it to the wine shop before it closes. Within two minutes, Lucy is secured in her car seat, and we’re off.
As we pull into the parking lot, a wave of relief washes over me. The cool air that greets us inside the store is soothing. Rows of inviting wines call to me, but I head straight for the rosé section and grab four bottles of my favorite. Just then, a sharp pain jolts my leg; Lucy is biting me.
“Why on earth are you biting me?” I ask, and she responds with what sounds like a maniacal giggle. Once again, I have the feeling she’s laughing at me.
I pull away from her teeth as she lunges to bite me again and hurry to the register with the bottles clutched in my arms. She follows, teeth bared like a tiny, ferocious animal.
After paying, I take Lucy’s hand to head back outside into the scorching parking lot. She momentarily releases her grip on my leg to plop down on the asphalt. Wrestling her back into her car seat, I endure her complaints about the heat and the dirt on her dress.
“Of course it’s dirty,” I reply. “You just sat in the middle of a parking lot.”
Lucy scrunches up her face, tears welling in her eyes, and I find myself doing the same.
On days like this, I feel like a complete failure as a mom. I can’t figure out how to stop her from biting or laughing at me, or sitting down in a parking lot. I wish there were a manual for motherhood, covering topics like how to feed a toddler, how to get a baby to sleep, and a survival guide for the terrible twos. I’ve spent countless hours online seeking answers, only to find that most advice doesn’t apply to Lucy.
Yet, even in my cluelessness, I know one thing: I am not alone. There are countless mothers like me, grappling with their own 2-year-olds who hit, refuse to eat anything but ketchup-dipped foods, or struggle with emotional outbursts.
That night, after the biting incident at the wine store, I decided to reach out to my friends. I sent frantic messages detailing my frustrations over not being able to help Lucy manage her emotions. I felt embarrassed that she was chasing me around the store. In sharing my struggles, I realized my fears were unfounded. What my friends reassured me of was this: I am not failing, and Lucy isn’t a problem child. We’re just having a tough day.
I tucked Lucy into bed early and poured myself a generous glass of wine, retreating to my own bed with the covers pulled up over my head. That was my way of concluding the day.
There may not be a guidebook for parenting, but there are other parents out there who remind you that you’re not navigating this journey alone. So, fellow moms, when you’re utterly exhausted, trying to shake off a biting toddler, don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s at the park, Starbucks, or a music class, find another mom who shares that same weary look. You may not find someone who has had a day as bad as yours, but there’s a good chance you’ll connect with someone who understands.
Motherhood isn’t always sunshine and smiles; sometimes, it involves sipping wine and hiding under the covers—and that’s perfectly okay to admit.
For more insights on navigating the journey of parenthood, check out this informative post on couples’ fertility journeys with artificial insemination. If you’re considering finding a new fertility clinic, this article on when to make that decision is a great resource. For pregnancy information, this site provides excellent guidance.
Summary:
Navigating the challenges of motherhood can often feel overwhelming, as illustrated by one mother’s chaotic day with her toddler. From the biting incidents to the emotional meltdowns, the experience reflects the reality that many parents face. It’s a reminder that while there may not be a manual for parenting, connecting with fellow moms can provide the support needed. Ultimately, it’s okay to find solace in a glass of wine and to acknowledge the less-than-perfect moments in motherhood.