How do we accept help in the world of parenting? So, today I had one of those parenting experiences that catch you completely off guard and leave you a little breathless. You know, one of those experiences that stop you dead in your tracks and stay on your mind for days, replaying itself in all kinds of different colors and sounds. Let me share it with you…
I had to do the school run with all 5 kids, on my own. As soon as the alarm went off this morning the anxiety set in. How will this go down? Being the new mom in the school, I am already aware of the other class moms trying to figure out what I’m all about, and what my family is all about. I see the stares like I’m some circus freak with 5 tails. Literally :)
But come on, I get it – I would also stare :)
Picture this… mom walks in. No time to do hair. Looking a little haggard. Kids are behaving, so far so good. Drop the eldest off, kids are still doing well…
AND THEN…
You walk into the next child’s class, hands full of slips and money that needs to be returned. Then you turn around and 2 children are missing. You send your son to find them, the baby starts crying. Rather sheepishly you greet the teacher as quickly as you can without seeming obviously rude and then exit at the speed of light to find your missing child. Only to see the 4yo standing at the door of the bathrooms (for all parents to see) with her pants around her ankles shouting “MOMMY, COME WIPE MY BUM”… well, at least you found her… Then the 2yo decides to make another dash for it, this time to accompany her sister to the toilet.
Time stood still!
Then out of the blue, this mom arrives, I swear there was a shining light surrounding her. She was sent from heaven. She calmly takes the baby while I go attend to my 2 little terrorists – angels. Needless to say, I was hugely embarrassed and mortified. Today was not going to go well.
After many thank you’s. I climb into my car and burst into tears. Huge, uncontrollable sobbing tears. WHY CAN’T THINGS JUST GO SMOOTHLY!! Especially on take 5 kids to drop off day!?
Once I’m home, I make the strongest cup of coffee (too early to drink) and phone a friend. Pouring out my heart about what a failure of a parent I am. You know what she says.
Take the Grace Jax.
And there it is, 4 simple words that made me take a fresh look at my awful morning. Yes, I was tired, yes, it was hectic, and yes, my kids were being exactly that, kids. I shouldn’t feel like I’m a terrible mom, days like this happen to the best of us.
My biggest lesson though was learning that instead of being embarrassed, I should gratefully accept the help that I received from that angel of a mom. Parenting is tough, we should stick together. Without judgment!
Oh no! What a morning! SO sorry you had to go through all that. I totally agree with your phone a friend advice! Let’s all help each other. After all, who else has been peed on, pooped on, vomited on, sneezed on, coughed on, muddied up, painted, scratched, kicked, bitten, et al except us! Join hands and join forces. Help a mama out! You know, it would probably good for us all to carry with us, dark chocolate and red wine, you know, just in case…
#mg M’wah!
Yes, yes, yes – we need to gracefully accept help so much better than we do! I would have done the same as you and sobbed after it but that’s just our bodies releasing all the angst. What a wonderful lady your helper was. Much love xx #mg
Absolutely we should be there for each other no judgement! I totally agree with Lisa’s comment too we have all been there or are there now, we need to stick together and makes things easier on one another! Brilliant post, so glad you could join in #mg
I think we’ve all been there.
I was one that wanted to do things on my own when my eldest daughter was born. But soon realised that I needed help. I don’t think I would’ve made it on my own as I was a mess the first couple of weeks. Thank goodness for my husband, mom and mom-in-law. Even now that they at school, help is still at hand #globalblogging
Parenting is very tough and we should not even think of doing it all alone. It takes a village to raise and child. You are a strong and amazing mom my friend. #globalblogging
It truly does “take a village” to raise a child. I love helping out moms. As a grandma now, I can remember what it was like to be a frazzled young mom! :)
Oh, mercy!
All kinds of flash backs as I was reading this beautifully honest offering of words.
We all have been there. Parenting is hard and you have 5 kids! If anything, I salute you! I only have 2 boys and I couldn’t do it on my own. I had the help of a live-in helper.
#GlobalBlogging
Rough morning. Such a good mental reframe though. Keep rockin it!
#globalblogging
Uhmmmm, there isn’t much to say other than life happens in between. People with kids understand what other parents endure on those days when things DON’T go as planned. And those people with kids, who still dare to judge, are just being snobby and are too scared to admit that life isn’t always smooth sailing! At least we know these phases pass… x #Globalblogging
And here I thought I had my hands full with 2 kids. shopping malls are a thing of the past because they’ll don’t like them yet and I have yet to have to drop both off at school since they are still 3 and 4 years old. I’m glad there was someone there to help you. It can be overwhelming, even with the two I have! #GlobalBlogging
I couldn’t agree with you more. As mums/parents, we should never judge each other. It’s a tough job – let’s just be kinder and support each other more x #GlobalBlogging
Sounds like a nightmare! It’s difficult enough for things to go smoothly with one kid, let alone five! Accept help with grace, we all need help sometimes and it doesn’t make you any less of a supermum. #globalblogging
How awesome that the mom arrived and helped you! We all need help in life, never feel guilty for needing a hand. #GlobalBlogging
Oh I feel for you. This is not a good start to a day . It’s just one morning though , you’ve plenty more where you are smashing parenting #globalblogging
Whether its family or friends I’m all for accepting all the help you can get as a parent. Especially if they are a parent themselves as they understand what you are going through. Take the help when you can get it, it might not always be there. #globalblogging
It certainly feels like some days the kids are set to test us #globalblogging
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