Parenting Tip #3,100,188:
Don't Worry, They're Wrong
It Does NOT Get Any Easier!
I worry about my children. What? You, too!?!? Oh, thank goodness, because I thought parents of preschoolers were the only ones allowed to, you know, NOT know what they are doing.
You see, once I became a parent (i.e. someone's mother, not apparent, like in an easily noticed sort of way) I was told (by other parents) when my children hit kindergarten (i.e. started school full-time, not hit, like in a smack with a hammer sort of way) that my job was, you know, DONE!
And I believed them.
After all, having raised 4 babies, to toddlerhood (yes, it's a word!) and beyond, it IS hard work (and I mean that in every sense of the word) heck, I've got the eye baggage to prove it.
"Have a GREAT day at school, Sweetie!!!"
[pumps fist into air]
"WHOOT...WE DID IT!!!"
Yes, I actually played that scene, just like that, over and over again (in my head) and when that 1st day of school FINALLY came, well...
"WHOOT!!!"
...yah, it was pretty much like that.
"Ummmm...now what?"
Figuring out what to do with myself was never really an issue (not with ANOTHER kid, at home) until my youngest hit started full-time kindergarten and...well...you know.
"What are you going to do with your day? "
Et tu, Garth (not his real name?)
Oh, I was very happy and not just because my husband took me to breakfast that fateful morning.
Right now, those of you who know that Hope is in the 4th grade (I think!) I bet you're wondering, you know, how DO I remember that, right?
Well, I was finding ways in which I can avoid doing the laundry cleaning out my files, when I came across this blog post I wrote waaaaay back in 2006.
So what, right?
Well, I read the rest of my post (because, well, I am my BIGGEST fan) and this is the part that got me, but good:
"I've got tons of stuff to do...there's a pile of mail on my desk that I need to go through...not to mention laundry...and tons of stuff that don't fit the kids...I need to sift through...before changing over the closets for the fall...and I've got to organize their rooms...better...before I can do that...which reminds me...I've got to get the garage cleaned out...before I can finish renovating the kitchen...and re-finish the dining room...I was hoping to start this past summer...but, not before I finish wallpapering our room...I started...three years ago...oh, crap...but, I'll have finish painting Little Man's room, first...and...um...are you okay, Hon?"
Long story, short (you're welcome!) my husband's eyes glazed over and then, well, he went to work.
So, what's my point?
[rolls up sleeves]
Although my writing HAS changed (sort of):
- there's a pile of mail on my desk I need to go through (it'll be there tomorrow)
- not to mention laundry (it NEVER ends)
- 2 of my kids have stuff that don't fit (boys don't care and the girl can borrow stuff from the other 2)
- closets haven't been changed (good thing, it's gonna be 90 degrees tomorrow)
- garage isn't cleaned out (because, we're STILL not finished renovating the kitchen)
- kitchen is STILL not renovated (see above)
- dining room STILL needs refinishing (because, my room STILL needs wallpaper, the boys room painting... etc...)
Why? Because, I'm STILL busy worrying about AND still doing OTHER stuff for my kids...dammit!
[crosses arms]
Why am I telling you ALL this?
[rolls eyes]
Okay, so once YOUR kids are in school full-time and folks begin telling YOU that, you know, your job is done...don't worry about it!
[rolls up sleeves]
Just send them my way...I'll fix 'em...REAL good!
[reaches for hammer]
Heck, isn't that what blogging's for?
[sound of crickets chirping]
Well, I feel better; how about you?