Mommy Dearest
My children bore me
I came across an interesting article about parenting today and just couldn't resist posting a link. Once you get past the lady's abrasive style and her extreme child avoidance, she may just have a valid point in there.
My question is whether this is a generational issue. My take is that our generation was raised to believe that a woman taking time for herself and her interests, i.e., making herself happy first, is a better mother and wife than a woman who sacrifices all in the name of children and marriage. This allows for each woman to determine what balance of family, career, outside interests, etc...she wants.
I should also add that as an oldest sibling and someone who's worked quite a bit with kids, I have never found them boring. If you're interested in something, they will usually take interest in it as well and since you set the agenda it should be easy enough. There is a tediousness in accomplishing mundane tasks but I fail to see how that's different between daily tedium for anyone.
I think I can...Calling ALL potty trainees (find out if it really rolls!)
posted by Jules @ 5:01 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Interesting link. I've heard other women say the same thing about being bored while taking care of their children. I can understand to some extent.
I wouldn't say "bored", but I find myself uninterested with some baby-centered activities, like weekly playgroups or classes. But it isn't being with my child that isn't interesting, it's listening to and being around the other parents. They seem to either fawn over their child, complain about their spouse, inundate you with questions or all of the above. I'm doing this parent thing by the seat of my pants, don't have complaints about my spouse (and don't want to hear about theirs) and really don't want to hear how perfect their child is. I think mine is perfect, but I'm not going to bore someone with the details and would prefer they not do the same. Maybe I just haven't found the right playgroup fit?
I also find some parents frightening with just how centered their lives are around their child. You would think nothing else exists. I'm with you in believing that a happy mom is a good mom. I know doing things that I enjoy without the baby makes me a better mom.
Wow - well, that is quite the read. I agree with you that we have to take some time to explore our interests. Making yourself happy will do wonders for making the rest of the family happy. A happy mom truly is a happy baby. But the truth is that in parenting, sometimes the kid does come first. In the first year, there are more times than not that the kid comes first. I think that will lessen as time goes on, and I'll learn about that soon enough.
My own mother did not spend much time with me growing up. She was always at work, and when she was home, she was reading a book, not interacting with me. I always felt like I missed out on getting to know her, getting to learn from her. I was always jealous of the other kids who's moms were always there. I vowed not to ever make Chloe feel that way.
So, given that, I guess I have to agree with the first few comments -- why have kids if you aren't going to spend time with them.
Well, I've gotta run and give Chloe another bedtime kiss...
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