How did it become my job to clean up this mess, that mess, and what ever the hell that substance is I just found stuck to the kitchen floor?
Who put me in charge of laundry, dishes, dog hair removal, postal pick-up, bathroom cleaning, menu planning and grocery shopping?
How did it become my job to rouse all the people in my house each day with a smile plastered on my face?
To double check homework.
To make lunches.
To carpool EVERYWHERE.
To keep on top of internet usage and computer time.
To know who you are talking to on that cell phone, and who’s texting you.
To be the one to say “NO you can’t wear that to school”, and to get you to think about why you would really want to?
To remind you to always be kind, to put others first, to think before you speak.
To teach you and remind myself to just let some stuff roll off your back.
To choose fruit over crap, and sorry no cake for breakfast. I kinda suck that way.
Sometimes. Sometimes? I want to be the Mom who says “Let’s have cookies for breakfast!” “Let’s skip school and runaway!” To declare that we are going to shut out the world, put ourselves first, and be meaner then the mean girls to teach them a big fat lesson! To let my kids stay up all night. No rules!! Then I remember. I’m not that Mom, because I’m not raising those kids. I’m not creating those people. I’m endeavouring to create happy, healthy responsible and fulfilled individuals who know right from wrong and who are okay with that.
Turns out this Mama gig? It’s not all glamour and fun, sometimes to earn the sweet rewards of happy, fabulous, caring people, you are forced to worry, you have to do a little craptastic work and say NO. A lot.
It’s just sometimes. Sometimes? I wish my job, was a little closer to the beach. Just saying.
You are full of it. You can be the cookie Mom, I know it. You are awesome, my friend!
Sending you a big, old hug! I remember being that mom…the mean one and it’s NOT easy. But it works. And believe me when I tell you it will be worth it. Now, if we could only get the rest of the world on board – imagine just how wonderful this world would be if all these children grew up with boundaries? Keep up the good work!
I’ve been wondering the same thing for years. It was even worse here because my son spent his weekends with his dad, who did nothing but spoil him on the weekends (probably thanks to some Daddy Guilt). He got to be Fun Dad for 2 days a week, while I was Mean Mom 7 days a week!!
I allow myself to eat some chocolate before breakfast on Christmas and my birthday. Otherwise, it’s granola and yogurt all the way.
I chose to be the mom I am, but I have to remake that choice to be there 100 percent for my kids every day when there is so much vying for my attention. But it’s worth it. Our 19 year old came home for Christmas and he’s a REALLY NICE GUY!
Being a teacher, I wish more moms said no. When I say it, it’s like the first time my students have heard it. I don’t want to be their mom too. Good Job!
Rousing people with a smile plastered on my face. Once I get through that horridness, the rest of the day gets easier. xo
Yeah……a beach would help. A warm one. With Mai Tai’s. 🙂
I know..it is hard being the bad guy but luckily my hubby is on board with me!
Oh I hear you sister. And it’s hard. BUT WORTH IT. FInally I have 20 YOs who are pretty awesome. And when they were younger I often said, ‘You know it would be a lot easier to say YES and not care and let you skip school or be a jerk or eat crap. Caring is a lot harder.” Yes I was that mom who said NO to PG13 movies until they were….13. And you know what? They have often thanked me for that and my many other RULES! You Go Girl!
It’s tough to be that mom. But it’s good to have a cookie for breakfast, or the occasional backwards day of desert first 😉
funny…have had this conversation several times the last couple days….on how there is a generation that wants to raise children as their friends and how that is back firing…
though occassionally i do have the cookie for breakfast…smiles…but seldom enough to make it special…
I have much respect for the moms out there–it is a no win job.
We dads are very lucky, and though they don’t realize it until years later, the kids are as well.
Amen, sister! I always tell my husband I am jealous of him b/c he often gets to play the fun parent to my drill sergeant parent!
You made me laugh this morning. Thank you. B
I think it becomes your job the moment you give birth (or sign the adoption papers, as the case may be). It’s a tough gig. Nobody warns you, but would you have listened anyway?