Long Days Make for Short Years

Long Days Make for Short Years

 

Being a mother to a ten-year-old boy, a four-year-old girl, and a two-year-old girl- I get it. I get the frustrations and stresses of everyday life. Trying to be the best mom you can be and juggling everyone’s needs all at once. Making sure each child gets the attention that they deserve.  Constantly putting yourself last.

 

 

I get the tantrums and whining, making you want to pull your own hair out. And when it’s just you at home because dad works all day, there’s no escape! Especially given our current situations with the coronavirus, it has turned everyone’s world upside down. It’s me at home with these crazies each and every day, I have to entertain them and keep things running.

 

My son constantly complains about not having anyone to play Fortnite with 24/7, so I started playing Fortnite. Confession- I sort of like it! He is also regularly upset that he can’t have friends over. We were planning to go to his favorite YouTube channel, Dude Perfect, concert in a few weeks, and now that has been postponed. Spring break was a week of the same, sitting at home. I understand how hard this can be on a preteen.

 

It’s difficult for everyone not to get bogged down, whether there is a virus going around keeping us all stuck at home or not. Being a mom is hard- and I get it. We strive to be the best, cook the best meals, be the best wives, make sure our children are thriving in every way possible. At the end of the day, that doesn’t leave much time for us moms.

 

Sometimes I envy my husband because he gets to be gone all-day

 

I get it. It always boggles me when my husband can’t deal with the girls for long because he just doesn’t have patience with simple tantrums or whining- normal kid behavior. Sometimes I envy my husband because he gets to be gone all day, yes, he is working and not lounging around, but still. I wonder what it’s like sometimes to listen to the radio, a channel I picked, and not rap or a Peppa Pig movie. *sigh*

 

Being a mom, the days are long. Whether you work outside of the home and come back to care for the kids each evening on top of everything else, or if you are a stay-at-home mom. I am blessed to be a stay-at-home mom. Blessed since I get to be with my kids each day and watch them grow and share in the milestones with them. But it’s not easy caring for everyone 24/7 day in and day out mostly on my own. Especially trying to keep the house clean and meals cooked on top of all that.

 

My husband never understands why I’m grouchy some evenings when he gets home. It’s like, sorry dear, Aubrey drew on the walls with marker, Colby won’t do his online schoolwork, and oh yea Tinsley got in the litter box again! And I swear as soon as I clean any mess, there’s a new one right after. Or one I just didn’t notice before-who knows. Slime on the walls, pee on the floor… the list goes on. I get it.

 

I’ve always heard that the days are long, but the years are short, and experiencing this motherhood thing firsthand, I really couldn’t agree more. It’s hard to notice that during the thick of the storm. We need to step back and reflect if we have a free moment (what’s that?) on how true it really is.

 

Our babies and kids won’t be these babies and kids forever. Before we know it, they will slowly start growing up. And one day, poof! Your motherhood insanity just stops. When I think about it that way, I kind of embrace the crazy. I don’t want to think about my little ones growing up and not needing their mama so much.

 

It’s not wrong to need a break or a glass (or bottle) of wine to get through every now and then. Stop and breathe and realize, the long days make for short years. So, cherish the times, embrace the mess, pick your battles, and take some time for yourself too because you deserve it. I find it funny how I can’t justify spending much on myself, but I can drop tons of money on stuff for my kids. Husband, “What is Usborne? …You spent $168 on kids’ books?!” Well yes, the girls needed an updated library.  That mentality needs to change, I am working on it because us moms deserve to buy something for themselves and not feel so guilty.

 

Women and mothers are the toughest beings on this planet. We are the glue of the family which means we also catch brute force regularly from every direction. Take it with a grain of salt and remember that you have amazing children that do love you. It may not always seem that way, and I get it. This too shall pass mama. Your kids are trying to figure out this crazy thing called life as well.

 

So, if you have any friends with young children or teens, keep them in mind and reach out regularly. You’re all on a similar journey. Your long days will make for short years so hang on tight and enjoy the ride.

 

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