Parenting is Tough Sometimes
This morning I was awaken in the most abrupt kind of way. As I walk out of my room at 5am, hoping to get some quite time before the kids woke up, I was greeted by one of my daughters who had wet her bed a bit. She then let me know that she wasn't done and had to go more. I told her to go finish and she decided that "go" meant right then and there on the carpet. Another reason for us parents to loathe carpet. I thought to myself, okay, so today hasn't started off the greatest or cleanliest, but this can turn around. A couple of my girls came down and cuddled me. Okay, this is great! I'd be alright if there was more of this today!
Minutes later my daughter informs me that she was a little tired because she was awake all night. Awake? All night? Unfortunately she was serious. This is not good. I just knew the emotions and moodiness that were to come. The other one of my girls that was cuddling me says she didn't sleep too much either due to some bad dreams. Alright, I'll give you a pass on that and even a little bit of sympathy. Bad dreams do suck. Then just moments later I found myself in the middle of two daughters with little to no sleep, at the beginning of a major sibling fight.
What were they fighting over? Nothing! I repeat....nothing! When asked why they were upset, they responded with "I don't know". I look at the clock and it's not even 8:00am yet? This is going to be a very long day. I tried my very best to stay optimistic about the rest of the day, but the odds were unfortunately not in my favor.
Okay, time for baths. I know that many of you moms and dads out there don't have any problems with bath time. If that's you, I admire you! Seriously, how do you do it without losing your mind?! I get stressed getting my four girls bathed and hair brushed. Water and bubbles seem to be everywhere! The hair brushing creates tears even before I begin to touch their head. As baths begin I tell myself....I can do this. I am now three baths in, one more to go. She says she doesn't need a bath. (My eyes are rolling to the back of my head currently.) Alright kid, despite your feelings, you ARE getting a bath, because smelling gross is kind of not acceptable. The tantrum begins. If you've ever tried to give a cat a bath, it was exactly like that!
The claws came out, there was loud screeching, and the "don't you dare put me in that tub" body language. Folks, we are not even near lunch time. I'm not ready for the rest of the day. I'm sure there will be all kinds of tantrums to come.
Are they gonna be able to go to bed tonight or are they gonna be so overtired that they skip sleep again? The rest of the day was honestly a blur for me. All I know is that I gorged on coffee until it was socially acceptable to have a glass of wine.
Somedays parenthood is just TOUGH! There are many days it is wonderful! Days where our kids are loving to us and each other. Days they get all the sleep they need. Days where you never want it to end because you have been having all sorts of fun together. They have given you an abundance of hugs and kisses. But, there are also days that are not easy. Days where we want to rip our hair out, and are ready for the kids to go to bed at 9:00am.
Parents, I am here to tell you that it is okay to have a bad day! It is okay for your kids to have bad days. It is okay to not always be super happy and have an instagram worthy day. Social media never shows you the truth. It is a full on liar! You are not alone in your bad days.
Remember that tomorrow is a new day! An opportunity to hit the reset button.
