PRACTICAL PARENTING â—½ HOME
I can’t tell you how many times lately I’ve looked into my daughter’s face and seen tired eyes, a mom that just wants to sleep, and yet a mom that’s so proud of her kids. She’s a full-time working mom with three littles, and life is busy. I’m sure this describes all moms whether you’re single, have one kid, or many. Moms are tired.
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But this past weekend, as we were at her youngest one’s baseball game, I was able to capture this photo of my daughter as she snapped a picture of Augie swing the bat and run to first base. I smiled outwardly and inwardly, because it’s a beautiful thing – this mom that’s tired – being there to cheer on her kids.
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There are times when moms can’t be there, because they’re working, or life won’t let them. But she will be there then they go to bed at night to hear them tell all about it.
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There will be times when moms can’t be there as kids fall asleep, because she’s working the nightshift, but she’ll be there the next morning to offer the breakfast they love, like waffles with chocolate chips.
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​There will be times when moms can’t be there at school when that kid says something mean, but she’ll be there in the pickup line to give a hug and offer a word of encouragement.
There will be times when moms can’t be there for that game because the other kid has a game, and she can’t be two places at once. But when she is there…she’ll have her camera ready.
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There will be times when moms can’t be there because the kids are with dad, but she’ll be there when they return home, with arms wide open.
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Being there is what matters. And not feeling guilty when we can’t be there. Mom guilt is a term I hear a lot these days. Whether it’s self-inflicted guilt because we feel we are inadequate or imperfect…or guilt placed on us by others with their words or their judgment…it’s a real thing. But being a mom is hard, as is being a dad. Parenting is no small feat.
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As I watched my daughter sit on the ground right next to the fence and snap a picture of her son, I felt so warm inside. She also showed up last night to watch her daughter perform on stage, with heavy eyes and a very tired body, from working all day with even more kids, coaching them and loving on them, too. And she’ll be at her oldest son’s band concert this spring, as he plays the clarinet. She wouldn’t think of missing a thing, if she can be there as they do what they love to do.
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I know, maybe this article should have waited until next month, for Mother’s Day. But sometimes we moms can’t wait for encouragement until a special day on the calendar comes around. We need it now. So if this is you, the mom that’s weary and tired, but you’ve got your camera in hand and you’re there for the one you can be…give yourself a little pat on the back for showing up.
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Be there when you can, at your best or at your worst, take that photo, and open your arms…then fall into bed that night knowing you’ve given pure gold to your kids.