I'm not going to lie. Parenthood isn't all introducing your kid to Captain Marvel and Pac-Man and making snow angels. Those are fantastic moments, and in my opinion, balance out the dirty diapers, the toilet-training, and the tantrums which a lot of people have a lot of anxiety about. When you think about those tough moments, you may want to keep some things in mind:
1. When your kid is having a tantrum, or acting crazy, a big stressor is "What'll other people think! Oh no! My kid is being loud and annoying people! They think I'm a bad parent! They're getting pissed." Actually, A LOT of people have kids, or little nieces and nephs, so more people will be more sympathetic than you think. Also, people who aren't understanding are just jerks. Really. Because even if they aren't parents, hopefully they can remember being kids themselves, and cranky or whatever, and sympathize with your kid..
2. The whole nasty diaper/potty training experience is relatively short in the entirety of your relationship with your kid. I mean, it only lasts about 3 1/2 years at most, and hopefully your relationship with your child will last a good 50 years. If your relationship lasts that long, maybe they will be helping you with your old-age incontinence (karma in action!!!).
3.Everybody has a "favorite age." Some people like widdle babies. Some toddlers, elementary school kids, or teens. Kids grow and change fast! Most moms (but not me) like the younger ages better. But most men like late elementary and teenagers better, because they are more interested in the outside worlds and careers. So, if things are tough right now, wait five minutes.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
After the birth of his son, my ex (?) spy friend thought, "It'll be so much easier when this kid learns how to talk."
ReplyDeleteHe also thought about how much easier it would be when he learned how to (1) walk, (2) read, (3) behave like an adult.
Now, he's thinking how much easier everything will be when his son learns to drive.
Funny. But he has now been on a fifteen-year quest to reach the point where parenting will finally be easy.
I'm thinking: college applications are due out in three years.
It is easier when the kid knows how to talk. But I don't think there's any kind of happily-ever-after with kids.
ReplyDeleteActually, I don't think there is ANY happily ever after.