I often write about how parenting is the most rewarding and the bravest job I have ever done, though I neglect to mention it is the most exhausting job I’ve ever had.
If you are planning to become a mother, you’ll want to pay close attention to what I’ve written. If you’re already a mother, please tell me you agree!
When you’re pregnant, people will warn you that you’ll be tired when the baby comes. What they don’t tell you is that you’ll be exhausted because the baby never leaves. Sure, your infant will become a toddler and you’ll leave him with his grandparents for an hour or two for a “date night” with your husband. What they don’t tell you is that you’ll be thinking about that sweet boy the whole time you’re out. Don’t worry, all you and your husband will talk about is that sweet boy.
After the endless ‘why’s’ and ‘how comes’ of toddlerhood, you’ll be the proud mommy of a preschooler. You’ll send her off to school for a few hours a day. You’ll cry because she’ll wave and run to see her friends. You’ll go home, and you’ll spend your “free time” wondering if she is okay and if she misses you. Don’t worry, when you pick her up, she’ll have the biggest smile and a huge squeezey hug, too.
The day will come that he’ll be a big kid – ready for the school bus and kindergarten. You’ll proudly watch as he boards the bus, waving from his seat. You’ll go home and sit on the couch wondering where the last five years went. You’ll cry a little, or a lot. You’ll continue to use that “free time” you once had to think about what he’s doing, if his teacher helped him find the bathroom, and whether or not he ate his snack. Don’t worry, when he gets off that bus, he’ll still have his big smile and a full belly.
Parenting is the most exhausting job you’ll ever have because even when you’re not working your thoughts are consumed by your employer.
Has parenting been the most exhausting job you’ve ever done?
I can see how that would take a lot out of you on a daily basis. But at least it is good form of exhausted.
Yes, parenting is the most exhausting job EVER! Its non-stop always with something to be done, cleaned, cared for, or worried about. But its also a lot of fun! I enjoy re-experiencing the movies, the amusement parks, and all the excitement that surrounds each holiday.
Love your blog! Found you on Bloggy Moms.
Katie
Thanks for stopping by Katie! Parenting is exhausting, but super fun too! I can’t remember what my life was life before my son was born, what did I do with all of my time?
Oh goodness yes exhausting! I have to put forth extra energy just to think and talk about non kid things when the kids aren’t with me. Love it and frustrated by it at the same time!
I find that the conversation ALWAYS circles back to kids. No matter what the topic is!
exhausting, but rewarding. My kids are grown, all in their 20s, and it is satisfying to see them as successful, real live grownups!
Being a parent is by far the most exhausting thing you will ever do. You are always putting your kids needs and wants ahead of yours. You are always worried about if they are safe. It is also the most rewarding thing you will ever do. As they get older and you see the type of person they have turned out to be, there is nothing better in the world.
It’s nice to hear from a more experienced parent! I am in awe of the person that my son has become in just 3 short years, I cannot imagine what it will be like in 20 (or so)!
Have a great weekend!
wow. i am definitely not ready for a child now!
It is exhausting, but rewarding too!
I can so relate to this post! I went back to the corporate world for many reasons but one was because I missed having those adult conversations that weren’t about poop, pee or other bodily functions. Now, I realize I have little to talk about …lol!
HAHAHAHA! Sarah that is too funny! I often think about returning, wondering if my skills would be rusty, but more importantly wonder what I would have in common with my coworkers!
Yes, absolutely the most exhausting job ever… but so glad I got the job! 😉
It’s really hard to remember life before this job, too. Don’t you agree!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Oh my goodness – for sure! Before I was married and had a family, I had a job where I worked at least 60-65 hours a week (was hoping to get ahead fast). Between that and everything else in life, sometimes I thought I was tired. Ha ha! Bubbles will be two next month and I haven’t had a single full night’s sleep in all that time (even longer, because pregnant ladies don’t sleep that well towards the end!). Nothing compares to how tired you’ll be – but nothing compares to the positives that come from it, either.
You sound just like me! I know that when you’re “married to your job” you certainly get tired, but it is a different feeling than parenting. When you’re employed – you get to “clock out”! Not so much as a mommy!
I’m not one, but I heard it is.
I work at a very intense job and I think that my job at home with the kids is probably harder than my paying job 🙂
There is so much riding on parenting, too. You want to ensure you’re raising productive, thoughtful, caring individuals. That pressure alone is enough to make you nuts!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Parenting is definitely a full time job but we as women are strong enough to handle parenting and a regular job . Its exhausting yet rewarding.
parenting is def the most hard and important job!
No one tells you that you will worry about your child from the time you are carrying him inside to when he’s grown up. I’m sure then I’ll worry about my kids’ kids.
Next year my “baby” goes to kindergarten. Yes, I am excited to have time to do things and be alone for the first time in 10 years, but it’ll be sad.
I’ll worry if they are being good, being nice to others, are others being nice to them, are they eating their lunches, etc.
I worry about my son while he’s at preschool -hoping that he’s making the right choices, eating his lunch, etc. I can’t imagine what I’ll be like when he gets ready for college!
Oh man! I don’t want to think about that! I like to know everything they are doing all the time, and that’s going to be hard for me.
Umm…yes. Exhausting. My four year old has never been a good sleeper and that in itself, is exhausting. And I’m sure when he’s moved out and I can actually sleep, I won’t, because I’ll be worried about him. Oh well, parenting him HAS been rewarding!!!
I am not a good sleeper myself, adding a toddler to the mix certainly didn’t increase my sleeping! Parenting is fun, but certainly exhausting.
Thanks so much for stopping by today!