Do any of you other mama's out there stay up too late because it's your only quiet time? Then you wake up, tired, and hating that you stayed up too late and vow to start going to bed right after your kids. Then, you repeat it again and again and again. It's a bad cycle huh? I'm not here to judge, I was just wondering if I was the only one. Chances are, I'm not.
So how in the heck are we supposed to get enough sleep, eat well, drink water (seriously my biggest struggle), exercise, raise good humans who brush their teeth twice a day, have sex with our husbands multiple times a week, oh and make time for work and "me" time?? I really blame Pinterest for this struggle. When did we decide that we have to do it all and we started being SUPER judgy when other's couldn't? Come on... we have all done it.
Maybe it's because I'm up late... because I am just getting over being sick and probably got way too much sleep the last 48 hrs, but do I have your permission to keep it real? If not... hit the X in the top right corner, or for my MAC users (You're the real winners lets be honest, see judgy) its the red dot on the left.
Doing it all and finding balance is, well, bullshit. There I said it. I have never been the mom who appears or strives to have it all together. I forget the homework folders, sharing, and we don't always practice piano like we are supposed to. I don't love volunteering to do crafts at my kids school, so I don't. I DO enjoy getting to know the other parents, teachers, and going on field trips. I don't sign my kids up for camps or every sport offered... not because I think it's bad, but because sign ups are so early I don't even know how people find out about them... I'm serious... how do y'all know when it's time to sign up? please share! I don't make my kids hug people or share their toys on demand. I do however demand that they are kind and respectful to everyone. I don't make sandwiches shaped like hearts, or homemade birthday cakes. Can we talk about that for a second...
How many of you out there put SO much pressure on yourself over your kids birthday parties? DO you really think your child cares if you stressed over making a cake that looks like a unicorn? Or are you doing it so you can post how awesome you are on social media. It's cool... I've done that too. If we are keeping it real... who hasn't posted happy moments on social media while yelling at their kid to smile or get along. But like really... outsource that shit and save yourself your sanity. (keep in mind you were warned in paragraph 3)
I remember having a birthday party at Burgerville. Everyone ate burgers and we played on some merry go round, and opened presents. I didn't think my parents were bad because my mom didn't make a personalized banner, a cake the shot out glitter when you cut it, or a customized t-shirt for the big day! We kept it simple and it was great. When did this pressure start?
Listen, I say a lot of this with a joking tone. I think the mom's out there who love making glitter unicorn and rainbow cakes... YOU GO GIRL. Can I hire you to make a cake for my kids? But listen... for the mom's who don't... why are you putting the pressure on yourself to do it? Really no body cares who baked the cake... they just want to eat a piece. If you don't like volunteering... don't. A thousand other parents LOVE it! Let them do it! We are all different and it's awesome. Let's enjoy being different from each other. AND let's lean on each other's strengths!
As a mom, there are things that are really important to me. I like to have my kids in nice clean outfits for school. How they present themselves is actually important to Ryan and I. I want them to grow up knowing that we get up in the morning, we get dressed, fix our hair and go out the door as our best self. We are kind to everyone. I grew up in a great home with a great life, but I never used that as a reason to look down on anyone. My kids will treat every single person with respect and kindness. I don't think that means that we have to agree with everyone, but we must be kind. On the flip side, they are always taught to stick up for themselves, and for others. Being kind to others also means that we give ourselves the very same respect. Next, we don't have to win every game, but we always give 100% effort and try our best. My value is not wrapped up in how good my kids are at sports... that's actually a whole other post... like really guys, how many of your kids are going pro, calm down.
My wish for all parents out there to seriously cut yourself, and everyone else some slack. None of us are perfect, and we are all going to make mistakes along the way. I think it is the most important job as a mom or dad to be present in the moments. That's what your kids will remember. Did you see them open their presents, did you make it to their games, did you listen to what happened at school that day, and did you let them wear their favorite mis matched outfit? These are the things that will shape them into the people they are going to be. Why would we be an example of extreme pressure and perfection? Is that how we want them to live their lives?? To be perfect and live an Instagram worthy life? I guess I can only answer for myself... the answer is No.
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