Have you ever had one of those days where you just want to sit down in defeat?
Where you're so tired and overwhelmed that you can't deal with the overtired baby and the toddler who asks for a popsicle every. half. hour? One of those days where you are stressed to the limit and therefore lose all ability to parent like a normal person? Where grabbing the side of the highchair as you yell, "I can't take this! What do you want?!" seems like the only way to communicate with a ten month old baby who is so hungry he can't sleep but refuses everything? Where you are so tired that you fall asleep for an hour and awake to find your toddler has gone outside to watch her father mow while she digs in the landscaping? A day that is so bad you find yourself watching the 20/20 special on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, two shows you never watch, just so you can feel better about yourself and your way-less-drama-infused life?
You don't?
Neither do I.
Everyone has those days, even if we don't have kids. You are too hard on yourself.
ReplyDeleteOh, Bonnie, I had a day EXACTLY like this at work today, minus the mom part. For me, it was one of those days where you feel like you're completely stupid and not normal, and that you are just an absolute joke to everyone around you. I just wasted about an hour crying over it, but reading your post was the thing that made me feel better, because I know now that it's not just about me, and someone else out there was dealing with some rough things at the exact same time. I hope you're feeling better, too. Thank you for writing this post...and I'm sorry if I've rambled far too long already :) You're awesome!
ReplyDeleteDays? Ugh, try weeks.
ReplyDeleteTwo things that have recently helped me. 1. Being around moms with older children (like school age). They remind me this is a season. Also, I've noticed Elie outgrowing some behavioral things, which reinforces the seasonal thing. 2. I've noticed even a small prayer will later give me grace I didn't have the day before. No matter how many times, it always surprises me, like the first time. You probably do this more than me. Sometimes it's like a third person experience, in the situation I'll think, hmm, usually I flip out when this happens, but right now I'm not -- thanks, God! I'm not sure you were looking for any advice with this post, but my empathy comes with the assurance that this too shall pass.
Um. my whole week so far has been like that. Ugh.
ReplyDeleteI *so* hear you. Could've written this piece myself.
ReplyDelete