Thursday, March 15, 2018

Why Sometimes I Think I'm Getting This Motherhood Thing All Wrong


Because August is 2-years-old and still uses his pacifier. And folks keep telling me that it's time for him to give it up, but I don't listen to them. I mean, I know he's not gonna walk into high school with a pacifier or go to college with it so I'm cool with him using it at two. But still...

Because despite all the books I read to him or all the songs I sing to him or all the talking I do with him, August is still not talking as much as Aiden was talking at his age. Heck, I used to forget that Aiden was only two because little dude was having big time conversations with me and his teachers and everyone around. August clearly understands what folks are saying and he's vocal about his wants and needs. But still...

Because somedays tantrums and backtalk are at the center of my life.

Because, speaking of backtalk, what the heck is in the water that these adolescents are drinking? And why the heck didn't anyone tell me that this phase of motherhood was coming down the pipeline? I mean, I know that Aiden is trying to assert himself and trying to assert his individuality (that's separate from me) and trying to find his way in the world that's scary and confusing and so many things. I "get" it. But still...

Because bedtime battles. 'Nuff said.

Because bath time battles.


Because I got Aiden interested in reading books and now he's excelling as a reader. But then we had to conquer math. And then I got him doing his thing in math and science and all that jazz. And now we have to conquer writing. And every time we get over one hurdle, there's another hurdle waiting like, "Hey y'all!".

Because it is a "we" thing and not a "he" thing because I'm in this with him. To guide him and cheer him on. Even when it's hard. But still...

Because it's always hard and never easy, especially if you wanna do this thing right.

Because there's always another mountain to climb.

Because once I master one phase of parenting, my kids seem to age-out of that phase and they're on to the next one. (That was a Jay-Z reference.)

Because I'm always playing catch-up with these ages and stages and phases and no one told me it would be like this.

Because I'm tired.

Because yesterday August was an infant and now homeboy's a full-on toddler. And yesterday was Aiden's first day of Pre-K and now he's about to graduate from elementary school and enter middle school.

Because middle schoolers in NYC travel to and from school by themselves and I'm not sure how I feel about that level of independence. Yet.

Because I still feel like I haven't told Aiden all the things he needs to know before he gets to middle school yet.

Because the days are long, but the years are short and I'm always racing against the clock to bottle it all up.

Even when I feel like I'm doing it all wrong. Sometimes.

3 comments:

  1. Girl, I feel you on the "backtalk". My daughter is ten and Ive always taught her to freely speak her mind as long as it comes from a place of respect. She took that advice and RAN with it,honey. She is very honest with me and sometimes it stings but I know that she us simply lwttinf me know she has her own mind and I have to accept it. I always think Im doing motherhood wrong as well, but if we stop and look at our babies and all they have accomplished because they had OUR support, I know we can't be doing it wrong. Stay strong and prayed up,Sis! You are EVERYTHING Aiden and August need!

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  2. You are doing things right. Sometimes we feel tired, but find the strength to keep going. Doing homework with my son when he was in elementary school was a struggle. He would lose focus and we both became frustrated. Each stage a different struggle. He graduated high school last year. His graduation tassel hangs from the rear view mirror in my car. I told him both of us earned that diploma. We both made it through. He is doing well. Aiden and August will be ok. Celebrate small milestones along the way.

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