Let's be real for a few minutes. I feel like as parents, or anyone for that matter, we tend to shy away from the negative aspects of life and only show our Facebook friends the best parts of our day. I love scrolling through my Facebook and seeing super cute children and very memorable moments, but I also love to see when people are transparent and shed some light on the not so awesome moments of their day. I think there needs to be a good balance between the two, the wonderful, super cute moments and the other times when we just need to say "life is hard."
This post is going to be a little bit different, but hopefully it can still be encouraging to you and to know you are not alone in your hard days or when you feel like a complete failure (we all have those days too). I want to share some things I have learned in the two short years of being a parent, and I know I will have so many more lessons in the years to come.
I have to apologize to my kid?
One thing I definitely was not prepared for was, apologizing to my kids. I will admit, I have those days where I regret some words or actions or even my lack of patience. Those are the times I have to go back and say I'm sorry to my children for my actions, just like I try to teach them. We try to teach our children to apologize when they are in the wrong, so why not model that for them if I am guilty of something?
Need a timeout?
Do you ever wish you could take a timeout during the day? I know there are specific days where I wish I could, and sometimes I try. Today was one of those days. My daughter was very tired and when she is tired she does not listen well. Now I have to remind myself that she is only two, but I know there are specific tasks she knows how to do or understands me when I say not to do something. It felt like a long power struggle because I said no to a snack and then she had an attitude with me and was throwing a mini-tantrum. I had her go rest in her room for a bit since she was so tired. While she did that, I had to just sit on the couch and unwind. The house was a mess, laundry needed to be put away, dishes needed to be cleaned, and I should have been starting on dinner but all I could do was just sit for a few minutes and take a timeout for myself.
Parenting is hard. Work is hard. Marriage is hard. Life is hard. Fill in the blank to fit your own circumstances. It is totally acceptable to take a few minutes to yourself and a few deep breaths.
I have to share too?
There are hundreds of parents and caregivers out there and many long before I became a parent, so how come no one ever says "be prepared to give the best bite of your food to your kid." Seriously! I know people always seem negative when you are about to have kids, you hear "you better get used to not sleeping" or "you are going to have your hands full." So the last thing you want to hear as a potential parent is about having to always share your food, but I don't know the last time I could eat in peace while my food was still hot. 😅 Every morning I go into the kitchen and before I can even think about what I am going to make myself for breakfast, Elizabeth will say "I share momma." Now, she has already eaten a bowl of cereal, so in my mind she should be full and not want my food. But of course not. Anything I pull out she asks to have a bite, and sometimes we have to explain that it has to be cooked first before eating. My favorite is popcorn, from a young age she has always loved popcorn and still does. Do not try to give her a separate smaller bowl though, she holds the large bowl and we are privileged enough to get to eat out of "her bowl."
What are some things that you have learned? I think once in a while we need to feel comfortable enough to admit we are having a rough day or do not feel like we are the best spouse/parent/person that day. That is okay! We all deserve to have emotions and have a bad day here and there. We are all in this together. 🎵
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