SimplyMom – Juggling Act

Posted by Mary

IF I’M OVEREATING, WHY IS THERE STILL SO MUCH ON MY PLATE?

Remember those days when you first became a mother? I remember being so exhausted from the 2 am wake-up calls and the nursing on demand that I dreamed of the days when the kids were older and could feed themselves (preferably with a spoon and fork – and most preferably, not in the middle of the night!)

But now I just shake my head at myself. Did I actually WISH the children were older? Now I realize the truth – that it is so much easier when you have total control of where they are and where they’re going. Like, “Right now the baby’s in my arms, and in two minutes I’ll be putting her in the crib.” And I would. And she’d stay there. And I could breathe easy for a minute or two.

Now I spend half my life just trying to figure out where they are. Worse yet, because I’m such a controlling mama that I need to know where they are (I’m told I’m the only mom they know who does), I spend a great deal of time getting them to where they want to go. Because, let’s face it, the only way you know where your kids are is to take them there yourself, and to pick them up later. Yes, this costs a lot in time and gas, and the payback – peace of mind – is only a ruse at best. After all, what’s keeping your child at the destination where you dropped him off?

Mommy-stress comes with the territory, and it’s best to keep it in control. Still there are days when my cup runneth over….just as my gas tank hits “E.” And yes, I realize that letting them go is actually letting them grow. They need me to hover a little less so they can spread their wings a little more, and after all, I do want them to fly.

Eventually.

But I want to make sure they also know their way home, and they remember who answered their earliest cries for comfort and sustenance. Because, like it or not, I’m still listening for those cries….and my hugs are still ready, on demand.

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SimplyMom – Juggling Act

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