what is the best at-home insemination kit?
We have two pet ducks at home, and my kids adore them, taking good care of their needs. When we got them a year ago, I made it clear that I would handle buying their food, hay, and all the necessary supplies—each duck even has its own pool! However, my teenagers were responsible for the day-to-day tasks. This meant cleaning up after them, feeding them, collecting eggs, and ensuring they had fresh water to enjoy.
Unfortunately, the cleaning part hasn’t gone as planned. Who knew ducks could create such a mess? They love to roam freely in our yard, which I can tolerate, especially since they help reduce the mosquito and tick population. But those ducks also have a knack for making themselves at home on our front porch, where they sit like two loaves of bread rising in a pan.
The problem is, ducks produce baseball-sized, splattery droppings approximately every fifteen minutes. That’s where I draw the line—I refuse to let my porch be covered in duck poop. When I noticed my kids neglecting to clean up the mess (yet finding the time to create outfits for the ducks), I insisted they keep the ducks off the front porch.
To add to the chaos, I discovered they were using my nice, white dishes to feed their feathered friends. Despite purchasing proper duck feeders and waterers, they claimed they enjoyed the sound of porcelain. So, when I found my favorite bowl—one I’d cherished for years—cracked and filled with duck droppings in the coop, I completely lost it on my kids.
I mean, it was one of those moments where I was so loud I felt hoarse afterward from the yelling spree. Sometimes, my kids act as if I’m a ticking time bomb. There are days when I worry that all they hear is me yelling, and I feel guilty about it. But then I remember how many times I’ve kindly asked them to stop using my favorite mug for the ducks or to clean up the mess on the porch, and most of the time they just “forget.”
I’ve tried asking them calmly, jokingly, and even offered ice cream if they helped tidy up. I’ve said, “We can’t go for ice cream until you do a better job cleaning up after the ducks.”
This scenario is just one instance, of course. We often go back and forth about keeping their rooms clean, submitting homework on time, taking out the trash, and folding laundry. As mothers, we know when our limit has been reached. When we can no longer maintain our composure after asking our family to contribute, we end up yelling.
We let out all those feelings we’ve bottled up inside. We express how invisible and taken for granted we feel, and we can no longer tolerate being disrespected, whether it’s by our kids or the environment around us.
That day, I lost it in a big way. My kids were upset, thought I was terrible, and retreated to their rooms. It took me a while to cool off before I felt ready to see them again. It’s tough to admit as a mom, but we’ve all been there.
Eventually, one by one, they came down. My son scrubbed the porch and took out the trash. They all cleaned up the random dishes they had taken out to the coop. They even tidied their rooms. Afterwards, we went out to grab shakes in silence. After some time and sugar, we managed to reconnect.
Sometimes, it takes raising our voices to get our kids to straighten up. I’m not afraid to express my frustration. While I sometimes feel guilty for losing my temper, I don’t regret it because it works. Sometimes, that’s the only thing that does.
For more insights on parenting challenges, check out these posts:
- How to train kids to do chores
- Effective parenting strategies
- Managing a messy household
- Why kids ignore requests
- Understanding teenage behavior
Summary:
In the chaos of parenting, sometimes losing your cool is what it takes to get your kids to fulfill their responsibilities. This article recounts a relatable experience involving pet ducks and the challenges of getting teenagers to clean up after them. It highlights the balance between patience and frustration, reminding us that while we may feel guilty for raising our voices, sometimes it’s necessary to be heard and effect change.
Leave a Reply