Mothering a Preschooler

I'm not really sure what direction this post is going to go in seeing as I haven't sat down to write in an exceptionally long time. That being said I have a lot to say:

Today just really had me thinking about my passion lying with Mothers of Preschoolers. Motherhood is hard, we have all heard it, whether or not you are actually a mom yourself you know "it's hard." But Mothers of preschoolers(we are talking birth-kindergarten aged kiddies) are the exception to this saying... Let me explain!

Mothering a preschooler isn't hard, it's DOWN RIGHT EXHAUSTING.

When I had Big J and only Big J, the times she was healthy and all was right in the world I found myself saying, "Ah, this motherhood stuff isn't as hard as it's cracked up to be." Then she got sick with a cold, or the flu, or was teething, started talking... nonstop, potty training AYE YI YI... And then I thought it would be "fun" to have ANOTHER!... and ANOTHER! Let me just tell ya, I had never really fully lived until I had one child nursing off my body, and another one potty training at the same time. That is an experience I don't wish on my worst enemy!

A few years ago I was on my way out of the preschool years. Things were really starting to settle down, both of my kids could adequately follow directions (I didn't say they chose to follow them, I said they were able to!) they could successfully both use a bathroom without supervision, they knew how to prepare basic meals and snacks, and overall could function like a normal human without assistance if needed throughout the day. I felt like I had really conquered the world at this point! I had gotten myself through the years of the "I DON"T KNOW WHAT YOU WANT"s and the "Please stop crying!"s. We had hurdled our way over the diapers, and the exuberant messes only a toddler can make. Through the tantrums, and the cribs, and the snacks and the sippy cups... You get the point.

When I got pregnant with #3 I was leading a MOPS group (Mother of Preschoolers). I was sympathizing with these young mamas, being their ultimate cheerleader cheering them on through the first few years of their babes life. I knew this was my calling because I carried so my passion for them. Yes I technically still had a "preschooler" but I wasn't stuck in the darkness, I saw the light and I saw it very very bright. #3 came along and pretty much rocked my world upside down. He was a completely different baby than the other two were. He was calm, and easily pacified... I'll say it, he was super easy to love. Just because he's been super easy to love from the way beginning doesn't mean he doesn't still wear diapers, have complete dependence over me, throw tantrums, or can tell me what he's thinking or feeling. He's all of these things and more!

What am I getting it?

This year I signed #3 up for mothers day out. Twice a week he goes to "school" and gets loved on by two really amazing ladies and a room of 9 other kids his age. He loves it... and so do I! When all is well in the world, life feels pretty good. I can start focusing on myself a bit more, I can make time to go to the gym, I can think about eating healthy throughout the day, planning and preparing meals. I'm able to somewhat keep the house picked up... I'd give myself a steady A-/B+ at the whole housewife gig. But when the world isn't right, and my baby is sick, I find myself strapping on those survival shoes that I thought I lost after newborness. #3 has come down with a basic cold/flu. I'm not overly worried, he'll be just fine. This week with him home from school, him sick, not being able to tell me whats wrong, what's hurting, what he needs and what he wants... it just really had me thinking. This, this right here is where my passion lies! Its been an absolutely exhausting week, one tiny kid who isn't feeling good has changed the whole week around. I haven't been able to get to the gym, I haven't been able to think about food, I haven't had time to finish the laundry I started Sunday, grocery shopping today was a nightmare... I don't even want to talk about it. It's just HARD. I've got to get back into life cheer leading for mama's who are in this same boat... because I get it, I sympathize, I have empathy... I want young mama's to know it's ok to fall down, be broken and ask why the heck did I have this child... IT"S OK! But you have to get back up at some point, stand back up on two feet, lay that kid down for a nap, and take one yourself! You deserve it. There's a light at the end of the tunnel you tired, overworked, mama who probably hasn't showered in a few days, maybe even smells? There's a light, and it's called Elementary School! Just make it through mama, you'll look back one day soon and you heart dies a little each time you realize just how fast it goes. Everything you're doing is worth it mama! It might not feel like it right now, but your doing one heck of a darn good job, just keep it up! Chin up mama, "this too shall pass." Motherhood is hard guys, but mothering a preschooler is downright exhausting!




**Here's my 5 second disclaimer. I realize I haven't reached to the teenage years, and I'm absolutely sure it comes with its own set of challenges, late nights, worries and fights. But at this point, you are raising communicative, conceptual human beings who can wipe their own butts, take a shower without assistance and feed themselves. :)