Thursday, October 20, 2011

Sometimes, It's Just Hard

This has just been one of those weeks. With a big fat Disney hangover from last week's vacation and plunging back into the world of overflowing InBoxes and missed homework assignments and consolidated meeting schedules and broken violins for music class, my whole family is a little off-kilter.

So it's no wonder that yesterday morning wasn't smooth. I had an epic wardrobe battle with a 9 year old who couldn't possibly understand why I wouldn't let him wear Under Armour and track pants to see the symphony at the Kennedy Center on a 4th grade field trip. The other 9 year old, unhappy with his broken violin, picks a fight with his 4 year old brother, and little brother hurls a step stool at him. All before 8am.

On my way to work I get an email from a girlfriend who shares that her iPhone auto-corrected "kids" to "jihad." Not to make light of a serious topic, but after my morning, that sounded just about right. Thank you Steve Jobs from the great beyond!

The point is, it's ok. It's not you, there's nothing wrong with your family, it's just hard sometimes. You love your children, you wouldn't trade your job as Mom for any title in the world, but it's challenging on the best days and damned near impossible on others.

Earlier in the week I performed a little calendar magic and made it to one of my favorite yoga classes. When my teacher asked how I was doing, I replied "no focus." A fellow mom of three, she explained that just managing the logistics for that many other people can be draining and advised some deep breathing through the hard parts.

Today is a new day, I'll pick my battles wisely, hug my kids often and pick up a referee whistle at the sporting goods store on my way home from work, just in case all that deep breathing can't be heard above the fray.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I usually have a daily battle with my 10 year old daughter about what to wear or not to wear. Which of course always happens around 10 minutes before she is suppose to leave to catch the bus! I have even suggested we come up with a system of 10 outfits the Sunday before School. Look at the 10 day Weather Forecast so nothing is missed. Apparently, my logic is missed. So every morning I have no idea what to except.
Kids can be very exhausting. I have been in a car accident, had cancer and sometimes I think raising a child is even more tiring. The energy one most give is never ending. To be a good parent, a patient parent. There is no handbook given to us when we deliver our bundle of joy. We learn as we grow up as parents just as our kids are growing up! I am truly thankful for every gift my daughter gives me. I have learned how to be a much stronger person because of her and how to fight for my life and still be standing here! For she is my ANGIL!

Danielle said...

Well said, as usual, Jenn! May borrow that referee whistle idea. :)

BrigidSchulte said...

LOVE it! As I write about time use studies, I'm thinking they need to create an entirely separate category for the time sucking black hole called "Getting Out the Door"

Herban Lifestyle said...

That sounds like such a painful start to the day. I'm sure everyone in your family is still adjusting to the post-vacation routine. It was super smart of you to make sure that you fit in that yoga class! Excellent reminder to all of us to stay balanced, even among the chaos.

And, yes, you gotta love that auto-correct!

andrea said...

As a mom of a 21 and 24 year old I actually read your post Jennifer with a smile on my face - believe it or not I miss some of those crazy mornings but of course I must have selective memory by now. Loved meeting you and just signed up for your blogs - Andrea - ThinkFun