Is This Normal? - Troy, MI

Hi S.,

I am responding to this without reading any other comments. So, I have no idea what other people have told you.

I really felt compelled to respond to this, because in many ways... I am you. What I am going to say here is just what I have done to overcome these similar feelings.

First, I'm going to make an assumption... You mention in your 'a little about me' that you see every day as a gift from God. So, I'm going to assume you are a Christian.

Second, I notice you are 34 with a 3 year old and a 16 month old. That means you were 31 when you had your son. I was 33 when I had my daughter.

I have noticed, from observation, having kids in your early or even mid twenties is very different then having them in your 30's. In our 30's we are set in our ways. We have our routines, we have the things we like, we do what we want to do. Our lives are our own and we like it. But, we longed to have children ... so we did.

Now, if you have kids in your twenties... you are either just coming out of high school, or just coming out of college ... and your life was not really your own. You were doing other things. You hadn't settled into your vacations, and pedicures, work and social scenes etc... You are just starting out. So, a baby is just one more thing you are adjusting to. You don't know anything different.

So, I want to say .... your NOT a bad mom and frankly, I think it is normal what you are feeling. Having kids IS a big adjustment. Everyone tells you how it will change your life, but you have NO idea how it will REALLY change your life. How could you. You've never done anything like this before. Frankly, being a nanny and babysitter, although it gives you some skills....but it doesn't show you how it will REALLY be.

Then...to be a SAHM mom to boot... well... you're "on duty" 24/7!!! No other job has that! No vacations. No overtime pay. No coffee breaks. Nothing. You're it. All the time.

It's not a bad thing. It's just stressful. And sometimes people don't understand HOW stressful it can be. Until I spelled it out for my husband ... that I was "at work" 24 hours a day, 7 days a week... working all day, then cooking dinner at night, cleaning up, and then meeting HIS needs too....until I literally spelled it all out... he never thought of it in that way.

Once I told him what was going on with me... he tried to do more to help me out and give me some breaks.

In addition, I pray. When I am feeling overwhelmed and stressed, I immediately ask God to give me the strength... to meeting MY needs, to help me be patient, loving, kind, and attentive and to help me find joy in my daughter and in my day.

I soon started to find that joy. I realized that she is only little for so long. I realized that her 'nagging' was her cry for attention. I realized that the housework could wait, but her childhood wouldn't.

Then, I talked with my husband again. We worked out a system to give me some 'ME' time. He cooks 1 night a week. He gets up in the middle of the night with our daughter a few nights a week, he will take our daughter out for 'daddy daughter time' on Saturday mornings, and if I need to get out of the house some evening... I do.

You need to set aside time for yourself. I am a firm believer, if we don't take care of ourselves, we won't be able to take care of those we love.

You also need to find some social outlets. Join a MOPS group, or a Moms and Tots group. There ARE other moms like you out there. Play dates are great! The kids play, the moms chat. MOPS is wonderful, it's a Christian based mom group ... moms have brunch and chat and have speakers... the kids have their own thing.

It's OK to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. It's OK to feel like you just want some 'me' time. Honestly, I don't think you really want to go back to your babysitting days. When you babysit... you only get the kids for a short period of time and then give them back. You don't want someone else raising your kids. YOU want to raise your kids. I know you do. I know I do. You just need to reconnect with YOURSELF so you can give your kids the attention they so desperately want.

In addition, I needed to shift my perspective. For awhile I kept looking at all the things I COULDN'T do any longer. I only saw what was taken away from me by having a child. Now, I look at all the things I CAN do. I CAN be called a Mama. I CAN play with toys. I CAN run and jump and act silly. I CAN have fun with this precious gift God has given me. I CAN influence another life and help her be all that God has designed her to be.

Prayer is key. God will help you if you just ask and let him work in your life. There are many lessons to be learned about His love for us through our kids.

There are two awesome books by a Christian mom ... Karen Hossink. "Cofessions of an Irritable Mother" and "Finding Joy, More Confessions of an Irritable Mother". She, just like you, was irritated by being a mom! The books outline her journey to finding joy and seeing how God was using her kids to teach her and help her grow in her Christian Faith.

I found these books so refreshing. I no longer felt alone. I no longer felt like I was a bad mother. I no longer felt like I was the only one with these feelings.

There is hope. You're not alone. You CAN find joy in your day and in your kids.

I hope you found this helpful. These are just the things I have found to help me.
R. H.

the pool of going insane moms grows.... :-)
I have a 7 yr old, 4 yr old, and 21 month old...
There is no magic cure for being pulled in many directions.
But you recognize that there is something amiss and are seeking assistance. That is great!
I also have those days that I just wish the kids would sleep all day, or at least sit still. And the bickering starts, the screaming, the crying, whining, thumps as things fall, arguing, tattletelling, even the loud screaching of laughter at times can just grate your nerves to the point of wanting to just curl up in a fetal potition and rock back and forth... But then the kids would think your playing and start climbing all over you and you'd end up with knees and elbows in places that really hurt...
it does get better.
On those days that I feel like I could be getting harsh with them I FORCE myself to count to 5 BEFORE answering. I FORCE my tone to be gentle. I even appologize for those times mommy does answer harshly. I do catch myself at times starting to respond in a not so loving mommy way, and I stop myself mid word so i can take a deep breath and correct my tone.
If you have to put yourself on a manditory time out. That means DON"T PICK ANYTHING UP, SIT DOWN AND JUST BREATH FOR 1 MINUTE. :-)
On days that my guys are really active and I need a minute to breath I have them all sit on the sofa and read a book. Even the baby will sit there and look at his picture books for a few seconds before trying to tackle his brothers head. But it takes training and practice.

If it keeps on or you feel that it is getting worse, then speak to your DR about it. It could be post partum. Or the cold weather blues.
Punxatawnie Phil says only 6 more weeks of winter and then we will be able to turn the miniature energy reactors we call our kids out side where they can run and run and run.

All I can say is you should be glad. Even at 3 my daughter have a very violent temper and mood swing problem, she has been diagnosed with many disorders, And going out twice a week be very happy. I may get out 1 a year. And always worry about what is going on! So definitely count your blessings!

Hello S.,

I,too, always wanted a family and had fun with children. But what I soon discovered was I had fun with other people's children because I wasn't the one with them all the time. It does sound like you might need alone time in the home. I know that sounds funny but if you think about it, it is a spot of comfort or you want to get things done that you can't otherwise. Hire someone to entertain your children while you have time for whatever you need to do. Once those things are done and off your mind then you may enjoy your children and playing with them.

Just some thoughts. Hope they help some.
L.

You're a perfectionist. Simple. But I beg you PLEASE don't miss out on your kids. What you're saying is nearly verbatim of what my other half said about my two oldest ones. "You can't talk to them at this age" [toddler age]

This is going to be difficult for you, but half the battle is acknowledging that it's your attitude that's making trouble. So I mean get involved, do whatever it takes to get yourself onto kid level, get in their world. You were there once. Think back to what you enjoyed as a kid growing up, implement it, get excited with them.

This will be your new discipline. As you grow, they will grow, you'll all learn things. If you don't get to know them now, you'll be at a loss to know them later.

Good luck and YOU GO GIRL!!!!

The other day I felt super annoyed with my kids and I was trying to read, and they kept interrupting me. So instead of yelling at them (which I do when i am irritated), I decided to start doing finger plays and sing songs and I had them (and myself) laughing and having fun. I think sometimes we forget that we do have the energy to have fun, but we just need to remove the distractions so that we will gravitate towards our kids instead of cleaning, or whatever it is that we would "rather" be doing. I have found that when I put the time into playing with them, we all have a much happier day. Also, GET OUT OF THE HOUSE at least once a day. Jungle Java has a little play area for your 1 yr old, or join a playgroup to get yourself out of the house. Sometimes I just take them to Costco to get them out of the house. I try to remind myself that if I was at work I would not have an ME time to relax==so i try to mentally think of this as a job.
Good luck.

Hi S. as I read through the previous responses I felt I really had nothing to add both the women before summed it up well, you are not alone. I long to be at home with my children (4 and 16mos) but I have to work, but there are times I am at home after a long dat at work and the crying and mess just make me crazy. My husband works afternoons so I am with them alone in the evening and after being at work 8 hrs I want to relax and they are demanding on my time, and i think to myself could i do this all day long, I give you credit for even being able to say out loud that you feel the way you do and of course we all know you love your kids we all do too, but life is stressful enough and you maybe dealing with some postpartum as well. I didn't think mine was postpartum because I was misinformed and thought it was over in a few months not true it can last years. If you ever need anything at all feel free to PM me. our children are very close in age maybe a play date or something and we could talk. Good luck to you and if you find the magic fixer share it with me... please.

I have 4 kids, and love them to pieces, but can totally relate to what you are saying. I can't wait to have mommy time, and then when i get it, i miss the heck out of them. anyway, after i had my second, i got the blues really bad, and went on zoloft for 10 months. it made a huge difference! I took it again after each subsequent birth, and am now on a very low dose, only 50mg, but it is enough to take the edge off my frustration, or whatever you want to call it. i am a much better mommy. maybe it isn't right for you, but talk to your dr. about it. hang in there! you have gotten some great advice in here.

HI S.
It's great that you can talk about this, and it is normal. It's hard being the one who's on call 24/7, and it's great that you are getting out, and have the support of friends.
It does make me think of depression too, and a having your hormones checked is a great idea. I find exercise really helps me with maintaining emotional balance. So how to exercise with kids? Try getting them to do yoga with you (it brings such a deep feeling of peace to me), there are great kids videos with animal names for the poses. And take turns with your yoga video & the kids.
And are you getting enough sleep? Our body works on healing and on hormone balance while we sleep.
Maybe some deep breathing exercises & a happy thought would help. I just started going to a Buddhist temple to chant (I'm not really buddhist either) but found it to be an enriching experience and felt more peaceful after.
And rescue remedy is great http://www.rescueremedy.com/
Good luck, A. H

It is normal. Although, from experience, I will tell you that I had it to an extreme. Finally, my husband went with me and my daughter to a well child visit and told our family doctor what was going on (because I just thought it was normal and that I wasn't cut out to be a mom to toddlers). He was concerned by my feelings of extreme frustration and anxiety. He tested a theory and put me on an anti-anxiety medication. Although there are still days where their behavior rubs me wrong, it is no longer every day. And it may only be certain moments (like we have to be somewhere at a specific time and we're running behind). It may not be a bad idea to talk to your doctor, get his/her thoughts.

Hi S.,
This is absolutely normal! I am the same way! I was a nanny for 14 yrs....went to college for preschool teaching and LOVED IT! now i have my own 2. they are 5 and 3. I find myself getting very impatient! and yelling all the time. I would say try and get out more with you and the kids....go to the mall...or story time at the library. I have found that the day is better if we have things to do.
Also, try and go out one night a week like maybe on saturday...make it a ladies night out...i have done that and it worked wonders! I hope this helps!

You are not alone! Hopefully that helps you a little. Being a mom is NOT always the most rewarding job in the world. It's hard, and the kids usually don't appreciate you until they are about 25 and realize you were right...isn't that about the time you fully appreciated your mom? haha
I once sent a mothers day card to my mom that said...Happy Mothers day mom...to the woman who showed me how rewarding, happy, comforting, graceful and content motherhood can be... on the inside it said "how could you fake me out like that?" haha it was funny.
Just remember...that the ridiculously frustrating, furiating, at your wits end moments....ARE ALL WORTH IT. All it takes to wipe away the frustation of a child getting in your way while you cook, is to watch them eat what you made and smile and love it...A sleepless night for you, is made easier when you watch them sleep like little angels. The first time they bring home the cutest little projects from school about their mom, you will be warmed.

Just so that you don't set yourself up for some unreal expectations...the getting up early from naps will be replaced by not taking a nap...the hanging on your leg will be replaced by not wanting to be near you and be with their friends instead..the not picking up their toys will be replaced with not doing their homework...
you get my point...it will ALWAYS be hard...but it's worth it...dont' give up...
get a friend, that you trust, and who doesn't judge you, that you can call, and just VENT to...someone who will let you say horrible things about being a mother, just so you can get it out...it makes you feel better...they know you don't mean it, and you know you don't mean it...but at the time, it feels good to say it.
you'll be just fine...
but again...you are not alone, and you are not a bad mother to have these feelings...

I don't know if its normal or not myself. But I am right where you are with this. Sometimes I just feel like letting out the loudest screem (LOL).
My kids are 4 and 2. They are in preschool and daycare all day. They are at home by the time I get home from work about 4:00 and my husband goes to his afternoon job. So, I'm alone with them 90 % of the time time. After working- a full day outside the home I would love to come home relax and get a nap. Not going to happen it's time for the next part of my day! It is extremely difficult.
The best advice I have is to keep your kids on a schedule. I find it improves behavior. Make sure they get have a scheduled nap time and get to bed no later than 8:00 p.m. I find that when I give my kids too much "free Time" I do more yelling (LOL)
Good luck

Well, if you makes you feel any better, I too am a 34 yr old stay at home mom of a 3 yr old son and 1 yr old daughter and feel pretty much the same as you do a lot of days. I too longed to stay home and have a family more than ANYTHING. I even left a very prosperous and fulfilling career in which I had to obtain an advanced degree to have...and when it came time to choosing between being at home and my career, I made the choice to be at home with them without regret! However, as the whole world says, this is the hardest job in the world and it is for exactly what you have just written!
I would highly recommend that you read a book called "I was a really good mom before I had kids". This book was a huge validation for me and it will have you laughing as well. Motherhood is tough and complex and we idealize what it is going to be like and what types of moms we are going to be for years before we actually partake in it. The ideals we all have and the reality are so very different. I think you are being a bit hard on yourself. It sounds to me like you a wonderful mother who geniunely loves their kids and has put them first and foremost in your life. It sounds as if you are setting the appropriate boundaries that they need which is really not much fun to have to do!! I have found being a mom is so much more about 'doing for them' and unfortunately, 'enforcing rules' far more than I ever thought it would be. Take a step back and look at this situation a bit more....are you just maybe going through a tough patch right now with this? It is winter and it is tough living in Michigan with having to stay indoors with two toddlers all the time. I hope my words have helped you a bit but rest assured some weeks,I could have written your post verbatim!! If you drink, I would really suggest a good glass of wine...it seems to be able to do wonders some days :)

Oh yeah. We've all been there. I still am. 1. GET OUT OF THE HOUSE WITH THE KIDS. Try to get outside anytime it is even slightly sunny or above -10. 2. When you feel irritated at them, tickle them to hear their sweet joyful laughter. 3. Pray. 4. Find some special activity to do with your three year old (like making cookies or having a book reading "party") to remind you how special he is. 5. When I feel like I am absolutely about to lose it with them, I sing the most peaceful hymn I can think of (for me, "The Lord's My Shepherd"). The hymn singing has saved my children on many occasions. Sometimes I just sing it right over their whining.

Hi, S.. Certainly some of your feelings are "normal" but you are clearly overwhelmed. I suggest a complete physical (thyroid, hormones) and exploring the idea that you may possibly be depressed.There is a questionare your Doctor should have that will help determine depression. Depression is a condition not unlike diabetes except you may not need medication all of your life.I know going on antidepressants gets many people upset but they literally saved my life.I have a chemical imbalance, bipolar and I wish I would have known when my children were young. My relationship with them would no doubt be better with them. I am not saying you have a mental illness but through out life's journey depression may occur temporarily. You could be enjoying your children so much more. Not every day is smooth but if the majority of your days are difficult there is a reason; pysically or emotionally. There is NOTHING wrong with seeking help. Those precious babies need you. Good luck with your decisions. Denise K.

Thank you S. - I never thought I would be a Mom and was shocked to find myself pregnant at 38. My daughter is now 3 and, although I love her dearly, every day is a challenge and I wonder if I am doing things right (am I a proper mommy?). Reading yours and others posts validates that what I am doing and feeling is perfectly normal. Hang in there, breathe, and know that Spring is on it's way (and there's only another 18 months until your son can go to kindergarten.)

Hang in there, I think what you are experiencing is normal. With such young children, day in day out, you feel like you are in a rut with no end in sight. Children so young do not understand simple things that we as adults take for granted, hence, making us annoyed. I'm a stay at home mom of 2 with another on the way. My eldest will be 14 years old this month and my second child is 3. I can tell you with me that I too get annoyed easily, but more so with my toddler. Even when my eldest was a toddler, I never enjoyed those years. The toddler years for me are probably the most challenging because they are always testing your limits, very demanding, the tantrums, potty training, and there is no reasoning with them because they are so young. With 2 little ones at home under 5, you have your hands full. Once they get into school, I promise, things get better. The older they get, the easier it will be because they develop their own independence. I can't begin to tell you how much I truly enjoy older kids (especially teens). When my daughter reached kindergarten, she became less whiny and developed her own little world of friends and school and has continued to do so. I enjoy her more each day even more so the older she gets. I love the age my daughter is at now, almost 14. I can talk to her (almost like an adult) and I enjoy her friends and their stories. Sure she can be a rebellious teenager at times, but honestly, I wouldn't trade it for the toddler years. I'd rather deal with teen issues. On the other hand, the great thing about toddlers, is that you are the center of their world. You get all the hugs and kisses. As kids get older, you get less and less of that. Recently, my teen daughter's dad told me that rather than him dropping her off in front of her school, she demanded he drop her off one block away from the school so that her friends didn't see him (lol!). See how kids change??? Remember, they are only little for a short period of time, so it is precious. Yes, it can be annoying, but realize that it is temporary. Don't worry, as the old saying goes, this too shall pass.

Hope this helped some.

MC

Oh S., I am right there with you! I really could have written this post myself and it would say the same thing except I'm going nuts with a 4 1/2 yo boy, a 2 1/2 yo girl, a 13 month girl and did I mention I'm pregnant again!

I know my main problem is hormones right now, but some days I do wonder.

So my question to you is... Is this recent? Or have you always felt this way? Have you had your hormones checked?

This being winter it could just be a case of the blues. Or you are just having a rough patch because of your kids ages. You really need to figure that out for yourself, but rest assured you are not alone!

I know it gets worse on the days when I start out dreading what is coming, so I now try to start out each day with a smile, even though it is always forced, it seems to help.

But most importantly remember, you are molding little people to be good, hopefully great adults. And that is a huge task! Babysitting can be done by teenagers and as long as the kids are alive and well when the parents get home you succeeded, but being a mommy takes a very special woman and the job is never done! Give yourself a break and take it one day at a time!

If you would like to chat more or ever need to vent, feel free to PM me.

Good Luck and God Bless!
K.

I don't know if it's normal, but I go through the same phases. My daughter (21 months)
Has times when she gets irritable and annoyed. There are times when all three of us retreat to our own corners. The good times ridiculously outnumber the bad. My daughter has an infectious smile and laugh. She's is so funny? But kids are kids. That's what you have to remember.

Been there, done that. What you are experiencing is totally normal if you ask me. Either that or we are BOTH twisted. :)

You will get thru this. Each new "phase" of our kids lives are more exciting than the last. Hang on to them. It will be over in the blink of an eye.

S.
____@____.com

PS: I take a natural stress tab every day that helps me! If you want more info, ask me. :)

S.,

You are NOT a bad mom, you are a NORMAL mom! Welcome to the club! We are not saints, we all have limits to our patience.

I have 5 boys ages 13 yrs. 10 yrs, 7 yrs, 5 yrs, and 2 yrs. I have been where you are and had days where if I heard another whine, or crying fit, or fighting between siblings I thought I would scream. It has been such a long cold winter this year, and so gloomy. My kids, most of which are really outdoorsy boys, have been cooped up inside and are getting cabin fever. They are fighting, bickering, and roughhousing (usually until someone is crying) much more than usual.

Hang on, its February 3 (and remember Feb is a short month) by March there should be some milder days where you can get them outside to run a little of that pent up energy off.

That being said, I know how you feel. The house is a wreck, and the kids won't let you get anything done. Let the house go....seriously it will wait for you. Sometimes for the sake of your sanity, something has to give. Try putting both kids in the tub together, drag your laundry in there and fold it while they play, or clean the sink and toilet while they play. Let them stay in as long as they want. Sometimes that will relax them to the point that they take an extra long nap.

Something else we used to do is put on a jazzy CD and just jump around and dance in the living room, another good way to tire them out a little. Remember you just need to hang in there until it warms up a little. These are just some coping mechanisms to get you through.

Thats the one thing I learned about being a mom that no one ever told me. Its 24/7, no breaks, even if your away from everyone your still thinking, worrying, or planning about something related to them. Its hard, and a lot of the time you don't get much (if any) appreciation. Of course you enjoyed it more when you were just babysitting, or working with other peoples children.....you could come in fresh, leave when you were done and your time was your own.

Its not forever.........even though some days it sure feels like it. On the days when I feel like I absolutely can't do again today, I try to get out of bed braced for the worst. I tell myself I am going to get nothing done today, and I'm not even going to attempt it, and the kids are going to cry and whine all day, I am going to expect it, and you know what its never as bad as I have geared up for, and sometimes that makes me feel better. Sometimes you just need someone to vent to, and some days you just need a minute or two away from them. If you ever want to just unload on someone you can send me a message, I know a little sympathy can go a long ways sometimes. God Bless and it will get better.

I think part of it is the miserable winter weather! I've actually been taking my son out for 10 minutes in the afternoon and walking him in the stroller.. it feels so nice to get out even if it's cold.

I only have one child and I feel this way at times. I work from home and have my own business so there's lots of stresses that go with that too.

I went out a lot during Christmas break and I still felt like it wasn't enough. I think sometimes there are times that Moms are just worn out and no amount of time away is enough.. but then it gets better.

Like all relationships it has it's ups and downs for short, long or in between amounts of time.

I'd think things get a little easier when little ones are a little older..

I also have taught preschool and have a degree in elementary education. I know how you feel sometimes, it is very different when they are your own. Let them help clean, yeah it won't be really clean, but really who cares. You have to learn that somethings around the house just aren't going to get done today or even sometimes this week. Sometimes you have to stop doing the dishes or laundry and just play with them. I only have 1 and sometimes it is overwhelming with just 1. Are they involved in any activities or play groups? This may be an outlet for you to be able to interact with them in a differnt way that will allow you to come up with ideas to do at home. We do Kindermusik and my daughter loves to go and to do the activities at home, which makes for a quick solution to the hanging off your leg. Good Luck!!

S.; yes this is very frustrating, you sound like a mom who knows what she is doing, however there comes a time in our life, that we cant stand our life, or the people in it, this is due to us being human, it happens and could be part of a post partum depression? late but sounds like the same feeling, also you said your mom did the same thing, you can also change this, its not easy to fight against our exemaples in life, but it can be done, some people also dont realize how much the bible talks about families and how to make things smooth for us, one scripture brings out making your yes mean yes, and your no mean no, this is about consistancy, without it things are chaotic. also you mentioned they cant do one thing long enough, ever thought of adhd? or maybe they too have got your impatient feeling ? sounds like too, you need a good freind, who can help you see them for what they really are? just kids, people used to tell me all the time how good my kids are, and i would be like yah right, but then i listened andlooked, they were, they were good kids, and it was me that had to change how i see them. also when we look at the promise the bible has for us in our future helps you see life differently today, the bible promises we get to live here on the earth forever in a paradise, (if you want more info on this let meknow) but by having a promising future and looking at how god sees us, makes us feel better about ourselves, god and the bible can help with many attitude issues. i am a bible teacher, and ive seen it help many desperate parents and others, either way, your kids are not robbing you of your life, they are adding to it, try to see your kids in that paradise and how things could be and see them grown up , and see them with their own kids, and see them in school, it could be too, you are soo used to kids at a school age that raising infants or toddlers is harder for you , i bet your appriciation for them will grow the older they get, my sister was the opposite, she loved little ones but disliked it when they were older, its ok, and they turn out ok, you turned out great and your mom raised you that way, take a deep breath! and be yourself, and just love your kids, we all have issues to get over, you too can conquer this, just smile a bit more? every morning when you arise to see your happy healthy child give god a prayer of thanks, and pray with your children, often when we know god is looking on and smiling at us, we too feel happy, keep up the good work, i think you will be fine, i felt like that too with some of my kids, hang in there, and its great y ou know yourself to be aware of it, which im sure is more than your mom did, congrats, and keep it up, D. s

Sounds to me like you need to first pray to God to fill you with his patience. Also sounds like you need an outlet for your frustration, like exercising writing in a journal. I can say that I an relate with those feelings some days. Like I can't wait until bath time and bed time. But try mixing in what you like to do with them. Like try turning off the tv and putting on some music. Like I have been turning on the radio lately and just having the music on for me has also helped. And then me and my boys will dance around if a good song comes on or I will pick them up and sing to them and then they will go on their marry ways and play and I will do what I need to do..That is all I can write for now my little one just got up I will write more later. Let me know if you need to talk or anything....

I know what you mean!!!!

I have an early childhood degree, worked at a childcare center, was a nanny, teach preschool, etc. But things are TOTALLY different when you're working with other people's children! They go home!!!

I think I'm a pretty good mom but I did many more "fun" activities with the children I nannied for then I do with my own son. We were doing crafts, baking, going on outings everyday. I sometimes wonder why I was more creative and energetic with them? I hate to say it, but maybe it was the paycheck I got every week?

Sometimes being a mommy can be a thankless job. I think we just need to look through our children's eyes and imagine what it's like to be them...I can imagine my son is probably wishing I would get off the computer and go play with him! Gotta run