Merry Death

Time is never running out.

I spoke with my sister today, who was patiently waiting for my child's temper tantrum to pass so that we could have a brief conversation. When things finally got quiet, she told me that she had friends with children over this weekend. She had a over-tired, grumpy 4 year old (acting 4) in her house, digging through her make-up and jewelry while her mother talked to her friends. She said she was never so glad to see them go.

The next day, another friend brought her 3 kids (5,3 and 6 months) over and they all went for a walk around the lake. The 3 yr old skinned his knee halfway through and insisted on being carried the rest of the way back. Again, never so happy to see them go.

Now, she says to me "I am just not cut out for motherhood. Although, I know it must be different when they are yours. I mean, its not like other kids, you love them." I agreed and now have been pondering this all morning as my child has slowly evolved into spawn of satan. I have to say, I disagree with that comment now.

I know I have less patience with other's children. Often, I am able to write off any bad behavior as lack of parenting skills or discipline, until recently.

I agree that my kid, being cute and sweet over half the time, does not hurt when she is being a total beast. But....those times hold little clout when she is in a puddle screaming on the floor or banging her feet against the crib rails protesting a nap for the 5th day in a row. What she has that no other child has, is time. I am more patient, less concerned and more annoyed because I can't get away from my child. Its more of a quiet surrender. I just have no choice.

So, when you don't have kids and you just suspect that the reason parents are sane is because their love for the child outweighs the pain in the ass, think again. The real deal is just that we know we are stuck with it, so we let it roll off. Outside, it appears that we are just taking it all in stride. On the inside, we are screaming, wishing for one quiet moment and maybe a gallon on Benedryl, and quietly sobbing at the prospect of doing this for another 16 years.

posted by Metalmeredith @ 1:47 PM