parenthood
Start writing a post
Community

They'll Appreciate you...One Day

When Motherhood is a Defeating Battle

1304
They'll Appreciate you...One Day

I believe motherhood is a nonstop edge for being defeated. And I hate speaking on stereotypical terms of parenthood because trust me, there is a large supply of single and/or amazing fathers out there. I'm here to speak on experience and feeling defeated more times than I feel defeat.

Growing up, I didn't have it all. My parents couldn't afford Old Navy or Limited Too, I was teaching myself gymnastics on a rundown basement mattress, and the majority of my new schoolyear clothes came from Wal-Mart. The same goes for my husband - his parents worked 4 jobs altogether and busted their butts to give their kids vacations and an unlimited supply of expensive sports. Isn't funny how we are always evolving parenting from past generations? We're always on a path to make it better than what we had.

Which is why I'm here, now. If you don't want to read, please follow along for my Car Confessions.

I'm not going to lie, I have been struggling a lot with my oldest lately. 5-years-old is a rough age for not only the kid but as a parent. These kids are being introduced to bullying, becoming more independent, showing off to look cool, and still trying to function between what's right and wrong. As a mom, I'm here just trying to make sure my kid is happy and has everything. Yet, unintentionally, if my husband and I like it or not, I've created a monster. A spoiled little brat of a monster. Ooops.

I'm not one for character clothing and I definitely put in enough effort so my kid stands out by looking confident. I went into this new school district with their required uniforms with more than just polos and khaki shorts. I gathered a supply of bowties, ties, vests, blazers, and button-up shirts. Nearly $300 later, I wish I could go back, ha! And as most occasions, my kids are super grateful for what is given to them. Except for this instance...

Character week was coming up at my kid's school, which is a whole different realm for being an individualized kid because they get to drop the tacky school uniforms and wear what they want to wear. One day was superhero day. I had asked my son what he wanted to wear for this and he replied with his usual obsession, Sonic the Hedgehog. This kid has been obsessed with Sonic since he was 3. So I went out and shopped at multiple stores looking for a Sonic t-shirt, which was difficult in itself, but also one that wasn't overly dramatic.

After completely humiliating myself in front of a bunch of strangers because my incompetent self doesn't know how to parallel park, I tried multiple parking spots and finally landed one easy pull-in spot, popped into H&M downtown Savannah, and grabbed a Sonic t-shirt! My son was beyond thrilled! He kept asking me when he could wear this Sonic shirt every single day. Did I mention that I tried multiple stores already?

"...we appreciate everything our mamas do for us."

On the day of Superhero day, my son decides to have a meltdown. Now, I'm not the best with my patience and meltdowns. There are way too many occasions, especially in the morning, where I have to really talk myself down from having a meltdown towards my kids because calm, nurturing parenting does not come naturally for me. So now my once very excited kid didn't want to wear his new favorite Sonic t-shirt. Would you like to know why? Because it didn't have enough blue in it! Enough freaking blue!!!

I went into my bathroom, locked the door, and decided to have a little cry. I understand that young children, or even teenagers, don't always understand how far parents go for their kids. Despite the deadbeat mothers and fathers out there (yup, that's being honest), there are parents out there who go above and beyond for their kids. And when it is met with disappointment, the feeling of being defeated sinks in and it sinks in deep.

As I cried in my bathroom, I had remembered a moment a few weeks or maybe months ago where I had taken this same exact son to go shopping for some unique school uniform accessories. Clearly, if you can't tell by now, I ended up at H&M and he had picked out a character t-shirt. I hesitated for a moment and decided he could also add that to the pile. As I'm at the cash register, a young 18-year-old boy was ringing me up when he heard me whisper under my breath, "I hope you appreciate this one day." The young boy responded, "We do. We appreciate everything our mamas do for us." God, I wanted to cry at that moment. It just spoke so much volume to me and it instantly vanished my tears when I remembered this moment.

These kids are young. We were once there too. They don't understand the full extent that we push ourselves to make sure every need and want is met for them. So it's only natural to feel defeated and maybe a little heartbroken when a successful thing is met with the child's distaste. But in the end, remember, there will eventually come a day where they'll appreciate all that you've done for them.

You've got this, mama!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

52486
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33726
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956481
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181322
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments