Raising kids is hard work. My husband and I are not blessed to have our families nearby or available to help that often, and it can get a little draining when all your kid wants to do is play outside but you are in the middle of something and cannot take them. I just have to give the biggest shout out to my neighbor Stephanie, this past weekend when she texted to see if our boys wanted to come play with hers I had to decline. I was in the playroom, taking on the overdue, daunting task of cleaning and sorting toys for donation or keep.
The playroom had gotten out of hand months ago but we were in a horrible cycle of work and remote school, then summer rolled around and we wanted to be outside all the time. It just HAD to be done. Stephanie so bravely offered to take both boys to her house to play with her two boys and new puppy. My friends, I have never enjoyed cleaning so much! I listened to my music, throw away broken toys and sorted out things we don't play with anymore. It was probably the most relaxed I have been in months. Finally when my task was complete, because both our husbands were working during dinner, we split a pizza, chatted and let the boys play till bedtime.
I tell you this my friends and fellow parents because it finally dawned on me, something that I hope more of you caught on to awhile ago. It takes a village. The old saying is absolutely true, we can not and should not try to do it all. If you have a trusted family member, friend or neighbor that is just crazy enough to watch your kids even for an hour so that you can get to a forgotten task, do it. You need a break from your children and your kids need a break from you. Especially if everyone is doing remote school or working from home.
Furthermore, if you have the energy to take someone else's kids for a few hours, do it. Offer it. Exhausted, stubborn moms everywhere are not asking for the help they need. Just like my grandmother so wisely said once when I had my oldest boys, it takes a village. I may have scoffed at the sentiment at the time, but she may have been on to something.
Stay strong my friends!
Sarah
