The other evening, my partner kept sending texts, saying, “on my way,” “almost home,” and “waiting for the bus.” It was nearly 7 PM when he finally walked through the door. I wasn’t sure if it was exhaustion on my part, the kids’ restlessness, or perhaps the influence of a full moon, but by the time he arrived, I felt like I was about to lose it.
I often find myself at the end of my patience. Life with young children swings dramatically from joyful and awe-inspiring to chaotic and frustrating in mere moments. I have a tendency to experience extreme emotional highs and lows, with the peaks often followed by steep descents—all within the span of a ticking clock.
Just the other day, my kids were having a delightful time together on the upper bunk of my son’s bed. They cuddled with their stuffed animals and blankets, their laughter echoing through the room like a chorus of joy. My son made his younger sister giggle uncontrollably, and she responded by tickling him and playfully teasing him. It was a beautiful display of sibling affection that filled my heart with warmth and pride. Everything felt perfect.
Yet, in an instant, that idyllic scene shattered. The giggles transformed into screams, and the playful nudges escalated into shoves. Toys were sent flying, and my heart raced as I leapt into action to prevent a fall from the bunk. Suddenly, both children were in tears, and in preschooler land, it felt like the universe was ending. It was during moments like this that I often feel like quitting.
As a child, if I encountered something I didn’t enjoy, I would simply quit. I stepped away from competitive swimming, gymnastics, and various art classes after only a few years because I didn’t excel at them. My worldview was starkly black and white. I gravitated towards enjoyable and easy pursuits while steering clear of the challenging ones. This mindset worked well for me before motherhood, and even somewhat after I married.
However, the months and years following the birth of my children have been the most challenging of my life. I often wonder how I managed to survive those years of relentless sleep deprivation. My profound love for my newborn son and, three years later, my daughter, taught me that just because something is incredibly difficult doesn’t mean it lacks value. These precious little beings, whom I nurtured and loved through sleepless nights and tears, are my greatest treasures.
I’ve come to realize that feeling like giving up is completely normal; anyone who claims that parenthood is a flawless journey is simply not being honest. Parenting young children resembles an endless ferris wheel ride—thrilling yet exhausting—with no operator waiting at the bottom to let you off for a breather.
All we can do is cherish those high moments and perfect instances, however fleeting they may be. Let’s soak them in, snap plenty of photos, and relish the warmth of our son’s snuggly cheeks. We can trace our daughter’s dimples with our fingers and cradle her tiny feet in our hands.
It’s vital to etch those perfect memories in our minds to revisit during the days filled with chaos when everyone is screaming, and we find ourselves trudging through the monotony of parenthood. For more on navigating the journey of parenthood, check out our post on couples’ fertility journeys at Make a Mom. Their insights are incredibly valuable. Also, for those considering alternative family-building options, Make a Mom provides authority on home insemination kits. For additional resources on pregnancy and home insemination, Rmany is an excellent reference.
Summary:
In the rollercoaster of parenting, it’s common to experience moments of frustration and the desire to quit. The journey of raising children is filled with emotional highs and lows, but embracing those fleeting moments of joy can help navigate the tougher times. Cherishing the perfect memories allows us to find strength during challenging days.
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