Monday, January 24, 2011

public control.



If you ever see me out in public, don't assume that I have it all together and my kids are just perfect. It may seem that they're behaving and I have it all under control, but if only you could actually see what I'm thinking, you might be shocked...

I hope Charlie doesn't start going wild
Lincoln, please don't start yelling
Gosh-- is Ruby going to start screaming when I tell her no
Where is Ethan
I need Parker to help me
What if Jasper's fussing turns into crying and I need to nurse him right here
Please don't let the kids start fighting
Please stop staring at me
Why did Pearl have to bring all those toys she keeps dropping
Great. I should've stayed home

Sometimes I have expectations for me as a mom and a few too many for my children. Sometimes I forget that's what they are...children. And yet I keep coming back to this way of thinking. Worrying that they may have a meltdown in Target, fall off the bleachers at a football game, or hit their sibling during church.

The funny part is that these are the things that normal children do. I know it and you know it. Yet in public, us Mom's worry when our child is having a meltdown and the whole store is witnessing it. Honestly, I have become compassionate for that Mom. When I see it happening, in my head I'm thinking: I know what it's like, honey...I have 8 of them. Instead of staring, I usually try to give the struggling mommy the courtesy of appearing as if I don't even have the slightest idea of what's going on as she tries to corral her wild child.

So, the next time you see me with my 8 little ones and think that I possess some special skill because you can't handle your 2-- just remember that the same thoughts of potential disaster run through my head too.

6 comments:

Kelly F said...

Can I just say that I really appreciate this post? I have 2 kids (2.5 yr old boy and 4 mo old girl) and my firstborn is QUITE a strong-willed little fella. Sometimes I feel like I'm the worst parent in the world, and I think - am I even QUALIFIED to have more kids? But this encourages me! We will keep doing our best, taking what advice the Bible gives us, and realizing that sometimes kids will just be kids :)

The Thompson Family said...

As a mom of 5 little (9 and under) I am so happy to hear someone else who is going through Exactly the same things when out in public. I constantly find myself thinking I am not a good mother if I can't keep my kids in perfect order. I have to step back and remember that they are just kids and that I am doing the best I can. You are so great with words of wisdom and I really enjoy reading your blog everyday!

heidi said...

I'm a mom of 5 (11,10, 6, & twins 4) and I can so relate. The 6 yr old stirs up mischief, the foolish 10 yr old smiles and joins in, the twins then add to it and all the while I start pushing that cart faster and faster. I figure if the kids see me whizzing thru the store they wont have time to do much cause they'll be running to catch up with me. LOL. Thank you for sharing! When we other moms hear how you have days like this, it's like wheeeewwww, I'm not alone. :D What a blessing you are.

Rachel and Family said...

Great post! The best part of all is that you're not afraid to take them out!!

I just bought some new Lavendar Pine Sol at Target (with my 5 kiddos, btw) the other day and mopped with it yesterday. It smelled soooo good.

Marla Grace said...

Love this!You always make me smile!

Anonymous said...

You know just how to write....:)I think I could have "almost"written this post.We are a busy family with eight(well nine).:)children.I am always so thankful when we manage to make it through a store with nice compliments.People act like we are a display whenever we go out.The funniest part is when my husband and I split up at Walmart and he takes half of the kids while I take the other half and people still comment about us having our hands full.:)