Raising kids can be very stressful. It can take a toll on your health, relationship and overall well-being. Just yesterday, I ranted on Facebook with two of my closest friends about how little time is left to ourselves. I have to admit, I sometimes secretly wish that Phoebe would sleep at least four hours a day so I can finally catch up on the Glee episodes that I missed.
On my way home today, out of nowhere, there are some questions that popped in my mind. They made me think really hard. Who is causing this much stress in my life? Who says that I need to sign up Phoebe in ballet, music, storytelling and gym class? Who says that our apartment has to be spic and span 24/7? Who says that clean clothes have to be ironed within a week? Who says that I can’t read my book or take a nap amidst the mess in the house? Who says that I need to fold the laundry while watching 24? Who says that I need to impress our guests with a clean house and delicious home cooked dinner every time they come over? Who says that I need to do everything before the clock strikes three (and Phoebe wakes up from her nap)?
No one.
No one but me.
Truth is, there is no deadline for all those chores! It would not be the end of the world if we wouldn’t change the sheets right away after an accident. Kids don’t really care if they’re stepping on cereal crumbs or rice bits while playing. Also, no one will ever notice that we very rarely iron our children’s clothes (and if we do, it would only be the visible parts). And it’s ok for the children to get sick – everyone does once in a while, even adults. Most importantly, we should try not to do more than we can. We need not impress anyone – not our friends, parent or parents in law. Here’s what I know for sure – Phoebe would benefit more from a happy mom than a sterile house.
I’d love to hear about your own dilemmas and realizations as a parent. Share them in the comments section below.
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oh so true!
einerseits stressen wir uns selber….aber unsere männer sind da auch nicht unschuldig…aber das ist dann schon ein anderer blog! hihi.
aber ist schon gut so. einerseits sind unsere kinder unsere visitenkarte. Wie sie werden, was sie machen und wie sie erzogen worden sind….alles unser verdienst!