It’s been awhile since I’ve written a post on motherhood, and it’s usually in these times of quiet that I find myself struggling. Who am I to write about parenting when many days I go to bed feeling defeated. For just when I tell you what works for me, it turns around and backfires.
I think as mom’s it’s only natural to be your own toughest critic. Between the way we were raised, religious beliefs, and our direct sphere of influence, we are constantly second guessing ourselves as parents.
Some days I pat myself on the back because I rocked it. And there’s other days (like today) where I call my mom and just cry. It’s therapy you guys.
So I’m 30 years old and still need pep talks from my parents… but the truth is that I am constantly learning. I grow into myself as a Mom every day and find what works and what doesn’t. I have learned that routine and consistency make our lives ALOT easier and easing up on those things because it’s summer wasn’t my greatest idea. I’ve also learned how to look for cues that may lead to melt downs and try and detear her from conflict with any chance I get. She’s missed her nap and is overly tired? Probably not the best day to have a play date at a friends house.
Play dates have been cancelled, dinners out have been cut short, things have been taken away, time outs have been had.
I raised my voice and lost my patience. I was the mom chasing her kid down the mall last week…and I hate it.
I’m doing my best and striving for better all at the same time.
“You are doing this parenting thing on your own Lindsay, and it’s hard”. “You are an amazing mom and it’s all going to pay off one day”.
Thank God for parents. I’ll never be to old for their pep talks. And being able to put my trust into their parenting wisdom is truly priceless. I am so grateful for the work they did on my sister and I’s lives and I strive to take pieces of that into my parenting technique with Landyn.
And even though my parents constantly build me up, I will never let my single parenting be a crutch for any of it. I am being stretched right now but this tough season will pass and I’ll welcome the next with open arms. Parenthood is so beautiful you guys.
How was your weekend?
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Katie says
07.01.13 at 10:20 amGirl, I’m with you [coming from the nanny dept. not the momma dept. for the record]!
You aren’t alone! There are those days when I think I have it all figured out and then out of no where I find myself having one of those days where nothing is going as planned. Public tantrums, sibling rivalry, an hour of uncontrollable screaming because I sliced a banana the “wrong” way and a certain little one refuses to let me fix it or move on, just to name a few.
Some days it’s simply a battle of the wills. It’s so easy to get discouraged when logging into Facebook or Instagram and seeing nothing but happy smiling little ones. While I’m all about positivity, I wish people weren’t so afraid to share the “real life” stuff. Life is messy and raising little ones isn’t easy. I’m so thankful for the fresh start each new day brings and on those days where nothing is going right, I’m also so thankful for naptime (specifically because these kiddos never fail to wake up with a smile on their face)!
I’m so thankful to be able to be a part of their little lives. I’m amazed every day by the new things they are learning and I just love being able to open their eyes to new experiences. Watching them learn and grow is amazing! Those little smiles and giggles are simply the best! They make up for the hard times a hundred times over.
I’ve been doing this nanny thing for 10 years and someday I hope to be lucky enough have my own. Maybe by then I’ll have it all figured out.
Lindsay says
07.02.13 at 7:43 amThank you so much for sharing your heart Katie! SO much truth! How lucky that family is to have you in their lives. Now move to So Cal would ya? 🙂
Katie says
07.06.13 at 8:40 am🙂 Maybe someday! A girl I grew up with just moved to the LA area a couple of months ago. I’m hoping to visit soon. As for moving, I’ve done the move across the country thing once about 10 years ago. I think the next time I do it it will have to be for a really good reason! We shall see. 🙂
lindsay roberts says
07.10.13 at 12:38 pmKeep me posted girl!!! We’ll plan a date 🙂
Katie says
07.18.13 at 5:16 pmYes for sure!!!