Sometimes I feel like a walking advertisement for birth control. Last week was particularly bad. I was in a parent-teacher conference meeting with my oldest son’s teacher and all four kids. Finding an afternoon babysitter is expensive and difficult. The meeting was important because my oldest son is really struggling with various issues. I was trying to talk with the teacher while the boys ran around the classroom, writing on the board and my 2-year old threw two tantrums. It was a fine mother-of-the-year moment. And I felt like the teacher was saying to herself, “NOW I understand the problem. It’s the mother who cannot control her kids.” I slunk out of the meeting feeling lower than a giraffe in a dying hole. (Just a little Madagascar 2 humor for you.)
I feel completely stumped about this current challenge. And worse, I feel inadequate to tackle the problem. The mother-worry gnaws constantly at my mind and my stomach. I think I might trade these days for the days of little ones all over the place. It certainly was less complex.
Dear Tiffany, don’t be so hard on yourself! Think about what you ARE doing that so many others don’t care to do. And I’m sure that the teacher was impressed that you were there meeting with her, caring about your child, working towards solutions. She is a teacher, she knows what kids can be like.
One of my favorite quotes of all time happened to be in October’s Visiting Teaching Message. “Women of God can never be like women of the world. The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith.” (Margaret Nadauld) I think of you when I think of every quality she recognizes as necessary in this world. You are a wonderful mother and a wonderful example!
Oh, I’ve had those days & moments! I’m sorry you had a rough time. If it helps, I think you’re a wonderful mother.
Amen to the other comments. And I’d just like to say, Stop shattering my illusion of you being perfect, I enjoy it! Seriously I know you are doing great, and I know you have sucky days, too. You must, ’cause I sure do and that just wouldn’t be fair if nobody else sucked like I do sometimes. “School” problems can be daunting. Do more research, pray some more. You will help him deal with whatever it is and come out better for it. We should talk more. I’ll call you soon. Love and hugs.
Motherhood is kicking my trash too, but I think it brings out the worst in me. I really need to work harder at being more pleasant instead of a growling monster all the time…