Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Cookie Cutter Parenting

One of my Facebook posts a few weeks ago;
 "anyone who says being a mom is the best job that they ever had, obviously never ever had a good job before.".

In this day and age I am shocked by the amount of moms who post nothing but happy go lucky fluff about motherhood. Endless commentary on social networking sites about the "sheer bliss" of being a mom. Where are the war stories and tales of projectile vomiting??? I'm sitting here on the verge of a mental breakdown feeling like a caged animal, when I see some mommy post, "couldn't love being a mommy anymore than I already do". WHAT THE HELL?? Is that it ?Your constant pretty pictures of parenting aren't helping me feel any better here.

 what gives? Oh, that's right, you're editing your day down to one or two peaceful moments . Being a parent is hard, and it sucks sometimes and it's to admit it. why do we feel the need to condemn ourselves to a cookie cutter prison that resembles a hallmark card commercial? Is it wrong to sit back and have a moment of hair pulling and cursing? is it wrong to admit you feel like your two  year old bullies you like one mean kid did back in 3rd grade? is it wrong to think "what now", when your kids wake up from a nap crying? I say, no, its not wrong, its reality. motherhood, and fatherhood isn't pretty. why should we pretend that it is?

Maybe I am not as maternal as some moms out there, and I think its OK to admit it. It feels good going out on a limb and admitting how I really feel. Its a release of sorts. It feels even better when I read comments from other parents rejoicing in the fact that they are not alone. Fact is, being a parent can be lonely sometimes. Yes play dates and parks are great, but wheres the adult conversations about adult issues? I find myself tuning into "The View" just to hear women talk about something other than runny noses and blow outs.

I find myself feeling pretty defeated at the end of the day. The only way I can vent it is to be honest with myself and the people around me. I love my kids more than anything and I wouldn't give them up for the world, but that doesn't mean I don't get frustrated. So come on moms and dads out there. Lets start a movement here! Lets be honest, lets talk, lets share. Its not easy, and its OK.