I don't claim to be a parenting expert. Noooo nooo, far from it. I know I am just starting out on my parenting journey and I have many obstacles yet ahead of me. However, I feel compelled to share with my readers the fact that there is a lie out there circulating in "new mommy land" and it goes something like this: "Oh it gets easier". Well from my experience thus far, and from what I have observed within my family and with the families of my friends, is that it does not in fact get easier, rather different. I mean, on what planet would parenting EVER get easier? Really.
I say this because as I ponder the life of my son ahead of him, and the challenges we will experience together, I cannot help but think that a mother gets no rest until (gasp) she dies. I have been tired for two years now. I look forward to the day I can actually get some sleep. The other night, I took a long bath, and intended to shave my legs but only did one, as I ended up falling asleep before I could do the other one. When I woke up and discovered what happened, I was much to tired to bother with the other leg and just went to bed.
However, this lack of rest a mother experiences goes much deeper. Oh yes, it starts with not getting any sleep due to the late night feedings, but I suspect it will carry on into alduthood as I am sure I will worry about his whereabouts late at night, is he driving safely, is he eating well, is he happy. I know my mother worried like that about me. I think it's natural. I believe the trick will be to control it and not let him see how much I am concerned.
I also want to address this issue of competitiveness among mothers in terms of having to have the most expensive things in which to showcase your baby. By that I am pointing the finger at those who believe it is mandatory to have an $800 stroller. Really, who needs that? When did having a baby become such a fashion show. I am a very practical person and came from very humble means. I just can't justify such expense in the name of showiness. I just don't buy into this business of having to have the latest and the greatest. I actually feel sorry for people who feel they have to keep up. What stress that must be.
Well those are my bits and pieces from my cupboards and drawers today. If you can contradict me on the lack of sleep bit, I would welcome that. Well I welcome any and all comments.
Till next time...
~M~
I think the "It gets easier" thing applies mainly to childbirth and having a newborn. I mean, compared to actually giving birth and having a collicky, non-sleeping newborn, the rest is "easier." Sort of. In a different way. Okay, maybe not at all. But that whole sleep deprivation in the first 12 weeks is a serious problem, I think. Heh.
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