On Parenting and Pokemon

I like to keep my blog light but I've got to get real for a minute. Parenting is exhausting. Here I sit, reading that phrase and thinking how that doesn't even begin to touch the depth of my feelings on the subject. I feel like I rock the first 2 years or so. The newborn phase has its challenges, sure, but after that initial speed bump it is smooth sailing around here. Then comes the preschool phase where things get a little more trying but nothing that brings me to my knees. The cuteness and unconditional love outweigh the tantrums and sassiness. Before you know it, they are entering kindergarten and the phase I am now in with my big boys - the elementary years. Oh, I know some of you are laughing at me right now, thinking, just you wait. Believe me, I shudder at the thought of the teenage years. But today I am dealing with this stage. With one child who argues with whatever I say, who is incapable of sitting still for more than a few minutes, who already thinks he knows everything and I know nothing. With another child who lives in his own world, who refuses to eat anything I cook, who is explosive and unpredictable. Sure there are times when life is peachy - when the kids are getting along, minding and giving please and thank yous out freely.... but then all hell breaks loose and you wonder why in the world you thought you were capable of raising 4 kids! On those days I find myself taking deep breaths to get through the day, to tap into my last reserve of patience and to beg God to give me strength. And some days, I lose it and feel like the worst mother possible. I can't help but think how I've already screwed them up and wonder if there's any chance they'll grow up to be functioning members of society.

Every once in awhile, in this exhausting (albeit rewarding) stage of life, I stumble across something that is a game changer. Generally, these are ideas taken from fellow parents who have shared similar struggles and found something that works for them. Like daily mind, body, soul time (20 minutes a day spent doing whatever each kid wants to do) or dinnertime sweet, sour, service shares. Having these connections helps take me out of the seemingly endless task of trying to mold them and reminds me to enjoy them. My favorite tip of late - wearing something your child loves to volunteer at school. Genius.  This serves 2 purposes - I get to pretend I'm a cool Mom for an hour or two each week (and I am in serious need of that cred) and show my son I'm taking an interest in something that means a lot to him. Here's to parenting wins.