How Do I Do It?

Mommy Proof #18: How do you do it all? I don't.

Recently, a mommy asked me how did I do it all with four children under the age of nine. I fold laundry while they unfold. I dust while it piles up. I do the dishes while someone reads at my feet or holds on to my legs. I start dinner while a child plays with the toy kitchen set and another skips through the room. I cook dinner while the baby plays at my feet. I assign chores that they can easily accomplish. I mop the floor...when they spill something! I could have told her those things, but, instead, I laughed.

I laughed, because I don't do it all. I do enough to get us through the day. I do enough to make sure the kids are fed a well balanced meal. I do enough to make sure they have clean clothes....I didn't say they would be folded and put away. I do enough to make sure they have help on their homework. I do enough to make sure I have hugged them all that day. I do enough to make sure they have all received an extra cuddle. I do enough to make sure the baby could nurse when he needed it, be it for nutrition, to drift off for a nap, or for comfort. I do enough to make sure they could tell me about their day. I do enough to make sure that they saw that I cared,  that I noticed, that I heard them. I do enough to make sure they felt loved.

As I grew up, I don't remember how well my parents did the dishes. I don't remember how efficiently my mother folded the laundry. My fondest moments of my childhood were the hugs they gave. I remember the guidance I received. I remember how I was comforted when I was afraid. I remember the love I felt. So for that mommy that asked me how do I do it? I just do my best. I'm sure you will do the same.










Because it cannot be ignored and will never be forgotten, my heartfelt condolences to the parents, students, family,  faculty, first responders, safety officials, and Newtown, Connecticut community.