I always knew that I wanted to be a stay-at-home mother. What I didn’t know was how exhausting it is. There are some days when I want to dust of the resume, polish my heels and put a suit back on. And then I remember
If you’re a parent, you know how quickly time seems to pass. That cliche phrase is true, they do grow up so fast. Each day brings something new and exciting. Each day they build on a skill they learned the previous day. Each day they are more mobile than the last. Each day they are more vocal than the last.
The Days are Long but the Years are Short.
There are days that everything goes smooth, meals are eaten without argument, baths are taken without splashing the cat, and nap time happens. Ah, those are the good days. And then, there is every other day. Where you’re battling a strong willed toddler. Hoping against hope that the car seat buckle will snap before the fighting starts. Hoping that your child won’t start screaming in the grocery store. Hoping that your child will do as you’ve asked them to do.
The Days are Long, but the Years are Short.
I’m fortunate that The Boy is generally a great listener, follows instructions, eats fairly well, doesn’t put up a fight about rest time. But, we do have our days when he’s asserting himself and trying to see how much power he has in our family. While I work at not allowing myself to be manipulated, he is working at improving his manipulation skills.
Spending your entire day with a 3-year old is exhausting. The constant need and desire for stimulation can be overwhelming. It is downright exhausting. Did I mention that already? And while I wouldn’t trade my life now for what it was a few years ago, I do have to remind myself
The Days are Long, but the Years are Short.
Soon he’ll be in kindergarten and will need me even less. My days will feel even longer then as I wait for the school bell to ring. I can’t let myself think past kindergarten. It’s too sad. So for now, when things get tough, I’ll keep reminding myself
The Days are Long, but the Years are Short.
This post was written as part of BlogHer’s NaBloPoMo November challenge. Today’s prompt was “Tell us your favorite quote and why.” Sign up to participate in this month’s Blog Roll now through November 5, check out the participating bloggers and the daily prompts.
Kristina (The Greening of Westford) says
Thank you for that reminder Emily! My children are now 10 (almost 11) and the twins just turned 9. It seemed to go slowly, but in a blink of the eye at the same time. Cherish these times with your little one. I am realizing as they get older, that phrase about having children is like having your heart outside your body, is even more true!
Mel says
The years are short! It feels like my kids grew up so fast and I miss those years before school so often. While it’s nice to have a quiet house so I’m able to get my work done, I miss the tiny little feet running around too.
isis says
My baby is only 18months old and I know that it’ll get more challenging for me when he turns 2 or 3. But yeah, I guess I’ll need to just cherish every moment.
Headant says
We have had some rough days here lately, but they do grow up so fast. I cherish every moment.
Thien-Kim says
I first heard of this saying last December and it struck a chord with me as well. Last year I was juggling life with a toddler and a kindergartner. It has gotten better but I have to think of the big picture, right?