We welcomed our second child nearly a year ago, and it didn’t take long to realize that diving back into the world of parenting after a five-year hiatus required some serious relearning. Luckily, the experience was reminiscent of riding a bike—if that bike were covered in sticky fingerprints and lost toys, navigating through a minefield of crumbs, while sleep-deprived to the point of delirium. So far, we’re holding it together.
Caring for both a 6-year-old and a baby means being prepared for anything at any moment. Sure, the 6-year-old can manage on his own until it’s time for homework, bedtime, bath, getting ready for school, or meal prep. The baby, on the other hand, requires constant attention. Thus, it’s all hands on deck at all times with these two.
Through this whirlwind, I’ve picked up some essential strategies and insights to help me survive, focusing on my own needs rather than my children’s—things like diapers, wipes, snacks, and clothes are a given. This list is all about what I need to make it through the day:
- ALL THE CAFFEINE IN THE UNIVERSE
- Aspirin
- Xanax? (No judgment here)
- Cannabis?
- A discreet flask
- A peaceful nap (for the kids)
- A peaceful nap (for me)
- A sliver of tranquility
- Just let me have silence
- Maybe even a muzzle—just saying
- ALL THE PAPER TOWELS IN THE UNIVERSE
- Five minutes to take a shower
- Five minutes to… you know, handle my business
- Five minutes to let out a good cry
- Five minutes of solitude while getting a root canal—whatever it takes, just no kids crawling on me asking for things!
- ALL THE ASPIRIN IN THE UNIVERSE
- My phone for a little distraction
- No more laundry!
- A pillow to lean on
- A pillow to scream into
- A smidge of cooperation
- Some breathing space
- Can it be their bedtime already?
- Can it be my bedtime already?
- A LITTLE GODDAMN HELP FROM MY PARTNER FOR ONCE
And there you have it—the essentials to survive a typical day of parenting young children. Don’t forget those paper towels or the muzzle.
If you’re interested in the journey of family building, check out this post on couples fertility journey for intracervical insemination. For more insights into home study options, this authority on the topic can provide valuable information. Additionally, for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination, visit this link.
In summary, navigating the chaos of parenting young kids requires not just patience, but also a well-curated list of personal survival tools to keep one’s sanity intact.