Anyone who tells you they love every single minute of being a parent isn’t telling you the truth.
Projectile vomit? Massive diarrhea diaper leaks? Bleeding nipples? Public tantrums?
Come on.
It is 100 percent possible and reasonable to love your kids completely, and yet NOT love being a parent 100 percent of the time. Parenting is a 24-hour a day job that, frankly, sometimes sucks. And you feel stuck. I mean, you can’t even get away when you sleep when your child is young. The kid needs to eat every few hours, after all.
The thing is, we aren’t supposed to talk about it. We’re supposed to act like it’s all sunshine, rainbows, unicorns and kittens. With glitter.
Ugh.
You do love your kids. More than anything. And while this stage is hard - it doesn’t last forever. (I know, blah, blah, blah. That’s the last thing you want to hear while you’re living it. But hold on.) There are some things you can do to help find joy in your life and in your kids, and break free of the parent trap.
Take a break
It’s important. You’re still the same woman you were before you became a mom. Those interests you had, those hobbies you enjoyed - they didn’t vanish into thin air. Build time to nurture things you love and enjoy into your life. Leave your baby with someone you trust, and spend a few hours caring for yourself. No mommy-guilt allowed!
Cut yourself some slack
Sometimes, we feel trapped because we’re putting too much pressure on ourselves to be the “perfect mom.” (Perfect according to whom, anyway?) Don’t. Buy. Into. It. Is your baby healthy, well-fed and clean? Then you’re doing just fine.
Friends
Feeling trapped because you’re home alone all day with the baby? That’s not unusual, or surprising. It’s time to get out with the baby. Hit up your local library, church or community center and begin connecting with area mom groups. (Trust us, they’re out there.) You’ll find tons of friendly people with children the same age as yours, and have the chance to participate in fun activities with your child. What could go wrong? (Exploding diapers excluded, of course.)