Oct 06 2008
Why Wasn’t This in My Job Description?
When I decided to have kids, I had some ideas about what to expect from them. I had babysat and nannied a ton, I had worked with little ones in various capacities. A lot of what I expected has been right on, but this - I was not prepared for.
As we are shopping…
E: Mama, I want a snack.
Me: Ok, here’s a banana.
E: No, a good snack.
Me: Ok, here’s some Snap Pea Crisps.
E: No! Stop it! I don’t want those.
Me: Ok, then what do you want?
E: I want a toy.
Me: Ok, here’s Alex the Lion!
E: No, a good toy.
Me: How about Harry?
E: NO! I want a GOOD toy!! I want that! (frantically pointing to the shelf)
Me: This? (picking up a Dora plate and wondering where that busty Barbie is that he loved fondling so much)
E: No!
Me: This? (picking up a Spiderman plate)
E: No!
Me: Well then, you show me. (I push E right up to the shelf)
E: (looks at me thinking for a minute…) I want a snack.
Here is when I bang my head against the display of plastic jack-o-lanterns and contemplate if it would be inappropriate to break open the bottle of wine in my cart at 10 am with 2 small children in tow.
I love how people give you advice when you’re expecting, like “sleep when baby sleeps,” or “enjoy every moment.” Those are useful little tidbits I suppose, but why doesn’t anyone tell you that while you love your children to death and would take a bullet for them - sometimes they are mind-numbingly annoying and so frustrating that you fantasize about locking yourself in silent closet for a couple of days just to refocus? I was NOT prepared for the constant onslaught of talking and requests for whatever E wants at that nanosecond in time. We’re adjusting, but let me just say that this was NOT in the job description.
2 Responses to “Why Wasn’t This in My Job Description?”
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Oh there is so much not in the “What to expect” books! Loved the example, and glad to know that E is a normal kid who doesn’t find banana’s and snap peas a “good” snack. The boy wants a twinkie!!!!
I’m always talking about the joys of motherhood and enjoying every minute, but you’re right–there are some downright AWFUL times. I think focusing on the good moments is what gets me through. My daughter’s teething and I could definitely use some closet time. Fortunately, I know this will pass. Mom’s job description: 1)Expect any and everything to happen because it probably will…
Davida
http://glue4families.today.com