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Amazing – Kids know parenting is tough
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Published: September 24, 2009
It was one of those questions you don't really expect an answer to.
"What should Mommy write her column about this week," I asked my 8-year-old.
But he took the question seriously, thinking for a while before saying, "You should write about how it's really hard to be a mom, but it's worth it."
Wow. Wasn't expecting to hear that!
I laughed when he said it, but the idea kept nagging at me. Had my child actually noticed that I work hard to make his life better? Did he really appreciate the clean clothes and notes-on-a-napkin?
Notepad in hand, I sat down and decided to interview my own in-home expert on the hard parts of motherhood.
Here are a few of Josh's thoughts, in his own words.
"When you've been with the kids for, like, five days straight, you really need to take a break, but sometimes you can't because you're the only grownup at home."
OK. So maybe he's overheard me rejoice over a kid-free morning or date night once or twice. Clearly, the boy was paying attention. Note to self: Do not think out loud!
"Sometimes, when you're at the store, you don't want to spend all this money, but your kids are begging for stuff... (long pause, wicked grin) ... like new Bakugans."
You've got that right, buddy. I'd add Zebra Cakes and Donuts to the list as well.
"Sometimes, like, the house is really messy, because your kids totally messed it up. And you have to clean it up."
I had to ask — what happens when the mom asks the kids to clean it up themselves?
"They don't always do it. You can count on that."
Well, at least he's honest.
But there was a flip side, that picking up all those dirty socks and long days are, indeed worth it.
When I asked him why, he had a pretty simple, but true, answer.
"Because when your kid gets really happy, it makes you feel good. And because they love you a lot."
I couldn't have put it better myself.
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