Mommy Moments Monday:: Motherhood is Tough

“I love my job. I love my job. I love my job.” I said as I sat down and put my face in my hands and cried. I could feel the hot tears streaming down my face, and the pure exhaustion rising up in the form of anger into my voice as I muttered, “It will be OK. Just go to bed!” to my five-year-old. I was exhausted as a stay-at-home mom. It was bedtime, my youngest was crying for “Dada,” and was getting over an ear infection, my oldest was being a typical five-year-old, and my husband was out of town for work and wouldn’t be back for another three days. I was low on sleep, energy, and my nerves were wearing thin. This isn’t how motherhood was supposed to be. I have some friends who have had to go to their doctors because their stress levels are through the roof, and they can’t seem to sleep even when they are incredibly tired. There have been recommendations for using CBD oils and THC components like Delta 9, what is delta 9 THC by the way? I think I’m going to have to look that one up!

After trying for a long time to be able to have children, I expected motherhood to be different. By no means did I think it would be all “sunny days,” but I definitely had a different idea. I thought I would have a clean house, happy kids, and dinner ready each night when my husband got home from work. {Yes, I too, laugh at the thought of that now. 😉 } Most times when my husband walks in from work, he walks into quite the opposite.

Motherhood is tough. It’s full of ups and downs, tears and laughter, vomit and drool, and poop and pee. It’s full of up-all-nights, canceled plans due to sick kids, melted color crayons in the bottom of your new car, and fishing a new toy out of the toilet. Motherhood is a closet full of cute dresses and heels you once wore. Motherhood is full of annoying cartoon theme songs that make you question your sanity when you have to decide between hearing it one more time or a screaming child. It’s full of last minute late night projects, teacher conferences, and car pool lanes. It’s about comforting your pre-teen daughter through her first heartbreak, and staying up until your teenager gets home from his first date.

Motherhood is also love. It’s an intoxicating love that makes you want to pick up a sleeping infant just to smell their sweet scent. Motherhood makes you do crazy things when it comes to decisions about vaccinations, discipline, and schooling. Motherhood also makes you do silly things like playing “cars” or “Barbies” with your kids, or jump on the trampoline just to see your kids’ smiling faces. Motherhood is

You see even though motherhood is tough, it’s also rewarding. I have young kids, and I know I’m at a time in my life where I will be changing a lot of poppy diapers, singing the Dora the Explorer theme song in my head because I’ve heard it so many times, and wondering if my child even hears a word I say. I also know that I’m at a time in my life where I can enjoy extra snuggles from my toddler, listen to my preschooler tell me her silly stories, and where my kids want to spend time with me.

If you’re struggling, overwhelmed, and stressed sweet mama, know that you’re not alone. Try taking a step back, a big breath, and make some coffee. These days will pass all too quickly. Even if you can’t stand to hear “Yo Gabba Gabba” one more time, try snuggling with your toddler and watching it with him/her. Even if your child is blaring “Shake it Off” and you can’t stand to hear it, go spend some time with her. Even if your teenager is dating someone you know it not good for him/her, try listening to what your teenager sees in this person. The point is to be in the moment. Spend time with your kids, love on them, instill the values in him/her you want them to have, and teach them. I only have a few years with my girls. A few short years to instill in them the values, truths, and the love of Jesus Christ. I know that each stage of parenting will be tough. You might sometimes have to love them extra if they go through mental health issues. Teens are the most affected by depression. There could be times when you are desperate and tirelessly looking for the best healthcare you can get for your baby. Do remember that there are institutions like Honey Lake Clinic teen depression treatment center and similar reliable medical care providers who can make our lives better over time. These issues are part of life and hopefully, good times will outweigh the bad times. Each stage will have it’s ups and downs. It’s what I do and how I react to those ups and downs that will teach my girls and help prepare them for life.