This morning, I completely lost my cool.
After getting the kids ready for school—dressed, fed, teeth brushed, and bags packed—I turned on the TV. I have a strict rule: the kids can only watch designated channels. With so much trash on television—shows that glorify disrespectful behavior among teens—I find it crucial to limit their exposure. So, I set the channel, and they are not to change it without asking. But my daughter, Mia, never follows this rule. Within seconds of me leaving the room after tuning into a kid-friendly show, she had the remote, flipping through channels in search of some obnoxious teen drama.
When I returned and caught her in the act, I lost it.
Yelling ensued. “I’VE TOLD YOU A THOUSAND TIMES NOT TO TOUCH THAT REMOTE!” I shouted, sending her to her room until it was time to leave for school. She just stood there, frozen. “GO!” I yelled again, and when I tried to chase her, she barely beat me to her room, slamming the door shut.
“MOM! Are you really going to hurt Mia?” my son, Jake, exclaimed in horror. “OPEN THIS DOOR!” I shouted, and finally, she unlocked it, but I was furious. “Don’t you dare lock me out again!” I barked.
Amidst this chaos, my husband, Tom, attempted to calm me down. “Just leave me alone!” I snapped back. “I do everything for you all, and it feels like you treat me like garbage!”
I know, I know. All this over a channel change. But it wasn’t just about that. It was the culmination of Mia’s defiance, Jake throwing a fit over something trivial, and the endless bickering. It was the constant demands and the resistance to simple chores like setting the table or cleaning up. You’d think I was asking them to do something torturous! Plus, with Tom often away, I felt like I was tackling everything alone.
I’m not trying to excuse my outburst; I’m embarrassed. I wish I could handle these moments more gracefully. I understand that kids are just being kids, and their behavior isn’t a personal attack on me. Yet, there are days when motherhood feels like an enormous slap in the face. This is why so many say parenting is tough—not because it’s the most intellectually or physically demanding job (though it certainly can be), but because it’s emotionally draining.
I pour so much into my children, and often it feels like my efforts go unappreciated. I don’t expect trophies or grand gestures; a little cooperation would go a long way. Just some acknowledgment that the rules I set aren’t unreasonable.
It’s difficult to voice these feelings. Everyone loves to talk about the joys of motherhood, but the reality can be far less glamorous. I find myself sharing these thoughts not because I want to invite criticism, but to feel a sense of connection with others who may feel the same way.
After I dropped the kids off, I discovered Mia had forgotten her lunch at home. Guess who packed up her little brother, Leo, and rushed back to school with her lunch? That’s right, it’s what mothers do.
For more insights on this journey of motherhood, including helpful resources for family planning, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination from the CDC here. And if you’re considering options for at-home insemination, you can learn more about what you need here. Also, don’t miss this delightful DIY project for a cheerful bird feeder wreath that makes a perfect gift idea here.
In summary, motherhood is a complex and often overwhelming journey filled with emotional ups and downs. While it’s rewarding, it can also feel thankless and exhausting. Understanding this reality helps us connect with one another as we navigate the challenges and joys of raising children.