Thursday, December 06, 2007

Rome Wasn't Built in a Day But I'd Like to Think So

I want things to change in a day. Once I make a decision, I want it to happen.

It's frustrating.

I'm talking about parenting. When OC comes home from school at 3:30, she's hungry and grouchy. I want things to be fun, but it's a struggle to get through eating a snack, cleaning up after, and doing chores. I'm the taskmaster, as usual. Soon enough, it's five o'clock and time to get dinner and a bath and on and on....

I realize that what's important is built slowly, daily, over a length of time. It's a longer length than I have the patience for. But this is a good thing. It gives me a chance to make tomorrow a better day. One bad afternoon doesn't cancel out all the work that's been done. Nor does one good day stand alone for the rest of our lives. Damn it.

4 comments:

Loralee Choate said...

I suck at this aspect of parenting. It's usually not due to being a task master, but wanting to do stuff that I want to do instead of BEING a task master.

Sigh.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, me too. Sometimes the tedium of it is enough to make you forget the big picture. Try and hang in there, though. A good day has to be coming your way. :)

Anonymous said...

I totally relate. I only work until 3 so I can spend the afternoon with my son. But usually it ends up being a mad dash to bedtime, even though it seems like there should be plenty of time for a little fun too.

I guess most of that fun time gets used up during our daily argument about hand-washing (and other annoying tasks).

take care out there mommies.

Carrie said...

Being a parent just never stops being hard work, does it? My son is only (almost) 4 months old, and I'm already realizing that. I'm sure you're doing a great job, though, even on the days it doesnt seem like it. It sounds like you're doing a great job in your blog, at least! :)