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| My “Super Mom’ pose |
When I’m out with all 4 kids, people make all sorts of comments. The most common one is “how do you do it?”. And they wait to hear the answer. They pause, no matter where we are and what’s going on, and seem to look for some sage explanation as to how I can handle 4 kids under the age of 7. Well guess what lady-in-the-grocery-store, couple-at-the-park, mom-at-the-next-treadmill? I don’t know how I do it either.
Here’s what I do know. I’m tired. All. The. Time. I am always running behind, trying to get just one more thing in before the next potty call or blow out diaper or preschool pick up. I yell too much. “Get going!” “Why aren’t you dressed?” “Don’t pee on the floor!” I often feel overwhelmed and alone and I like I forgot something. Usually because I forgot something. I worry about everything. Are they eating enough vegetables? Did they brush their teeth today? Will they make friends at school? How will I get all this laundry done? Will I ever wear skinny jeans again? I cry. Often. I don’t know how I do this either.
But every once in awhile, a moment freezes in time and I see four gloriously happy faces that I helped to create and a warm rush seizes my heart. And I know that it doesn’t matter HOW I do it. I just do. And whatever I’m doing is ok. How do YOU do it?
Amen mama! I tell everyone that I do it just like they do, that there really isn’t a secret. You just keep going and doing because that’s what our babies need. And it’s hard, and some days it sucks, and I’m not all smiley and June Cleaver-ish. I overeat when I’m frustrated, drink too much wine some nights, ignore laundry for days, and rent movies sometime for my kids just so I can get a moment of quiet. You’re doing a great job, and you aren’t alone! 🙂
But really…how do you do it?! (Insert sarcasm here)
What kind of answer do they expect? Oh, I take lots of crack and Valium.
People need to learn to run what they are thinking through their mental filter that they were born with. It is not always necessary to say what you are thinking. I’m teaching my son this now. Don’t want him turning into these people.
Okay here’s the solution… Stop worrying. I know it’s easy to say but take it from a mom of five. I used to worry– a lot and then I realized, you know what, they will get fed, maybe they won’t eat their veggies and it’s okay because I can supplement with a Pediasure… If they pee on the floor, (My son used to poop in the corner) then I have my husband break out the carpet cleaner we bought and clean it up and don’t even worry. And friends? They’ll make tons! there is not a day that goes by that I don’t see several little kids in my house that don’t belong to me. Give your oldest responsibility to HELP with the younger ones. IT WORKS. My 6-year-old is not allowed to use the microwave BUT she can totally make an awesome Peanut butter and Nutella sandwich for herself and my 4-year-old! And can clean up her room and fold clothes. And if you give your oldest that responsibility, give it to her and don’t worry yourself about it. She’ll make messes but it’s ok. Tell yourself that. And Maria I scream all the time too. It happens! So sue me! LOL! As far as nosey people, like Erin said, insert sarcasm and watch the look of horror on their face. That’ll give you the laugh that you need. I’m a smart-ass at times and it’s because of the crass remarks people give. I can surely understand how you’re sick of it.
I have looked at people strange when I see more than 3 kids I won’t lie but I would never stop and ask any questions its not my business what they do and don’t do. I know I can’t handle the two I have so I am not worried about other people.
I hear ya! Lot’s of yelling and crying going on over here and I only have 2 under 3.
Question. Where you at the Chick-Fil-A in Vinings last week? I swear we talked. Not meaning to sound stalkerish LOL
You have my kudos for handling that many kids. My two are enough.