As a mom of young elementary aged kids, I sometimes feel overwhelmed with all we have going on right now. It kind of pushes my buttons when moms of older children get all, "Just wait," on me -- even though I know they're right. Adrienne Kerman at Mints in My Mother's Purse shared how she once couldn't wait for her little kids to grow up and hit puberty so parenting would be easier. Turns out that's not really what happens.
She shares what she thought would happen:
My young children were whizzing through phases every week, each one more diabolical than the next. Colic, crying, fussy eating, biting, potty training, stripping in public, separation anxiety—I took everything that came at me, bending and twisting like an acrobat from Cirque De Soleil ... while dreaming of the day my children hit puberty.
Kids in middle school can fix their own lunches, take their own showers, and fold their own laundry. High schoolers can bring in the groceries and put them away on the high shelves. They can use the oven, ride shotgun, and hold down their own fort if my husband and I want to see a movie. Best of all, they can converse with us, share interests and hobbies, and participate in our lives at a new level.
More difficult than toddlers? No way.
Fast forward to seventh grade and let-me-tell-you I have seen the light.
Sigh. If it doesn't get any easier, I'm going to need a nap. Finish reading Adrienne's post and let us know what you have found to be the most difficult phase thus far. And maybe, just maybe, give us moms of younger kids a little hope for our future. Because... oof... I'm scared!
Family/Moms & Events Section Editor Jenna Hatfield (@FireMom) blogs at Stop, Drop and Blog.