IN THEIR BEST INTERESTS

Written by Sheree Hoddinett  

Do you ever say yes to something and later come to regret it? I’d say as a mum this would be a common occurrence, everywhere. More often than not we say yes to our darling offspring to acquire the silence we desperately crave at that point in time. It doesn’t necessarily mean it will work well in our favour. Kids never forget, especially when it’s something they want! And they choose to remind you at the most inappropriate of times too. I swear my eldest daughter remembers more things allegedly “promised” from six months ago than what I told her five minutes ago! It goes to show when she actually is listening to me! 

I like to think I’m a pretty fair mum. Maybe sometimes I give in a little too easy. But I think my girls have it pretty good. Although I still get called numerous things when they don’t get what they want. The latest one is that I’m rude, not really sure how that works when I’m saying no for the umpteenth time. Kids, eh?! But it’s funny to watch other kids when you’re out at the shops. At times mine look little angels compared to the temper tantrums I’ve seen some kids thrown over not getting a toy/lolly/even a tea towel they so desperately must have. I think when kids clock something they must have, no amount of logic or reason will get through to them. But at the time, as parents, we react in the only way we know how, we either get angry/give in or try to ignore the situation completely. Sometimes none of the above really work and you’re left with the stares of absolutely strangers waiting for your next move. There is nothing worse than the silent criticism of people you don’t know! They say that kids don’t always necessarily understand how to control their emotions. I don’t know about that sometimes, they definitely know how to manipulate a situation to work best in their favour, so it does make you wonder! 

Let’s face it, life is tough when you’re little. Your parents often say no, yell at you for what you think is no good reason, they tell you they aren’t eating chocolate or something good (when they really are!) and you never get what you want, ever! I like to keep reminding my girls that one day they’ll have to do everything for themselves anyway but I’m not really sure they believe me. They kind of look at me like I’m an alien. I guess it’s sweet they think Mummy will always be there to do everything for them. In a way, I will always be there, but not in the way they think. Is this where I insert an evil laugh? I try to be as honest as I can with my girls. They have asked a few questions about body parts and babies and I answered as best I could without going into too much detail – they know where babies come out but they are yet to ask how they get in there and for now I’m glad they have left it at that!  

Parenting can be a battle, what kind of battle depends on the day and those involved – one child, two or any extras joining in the “fun”. I swear I still lose more battles than I should. I know it’s not about winning or losing but these girls sure give me a good run for my money, in more ways than one! I’m no expert when it comes to parenting. I’ve tried, failed, triumphed, pretty much everything you can think of. I’ve even thought about giving up, but gee those kids can run and they’re pretty quick too. I’m kidding, of course. My beautiful girls, although at times are very very trying and painful, they are my little offsiders and can make very good helpers I’ve found, so I think I’ll keep them around, haha! Plus you know, I love them more than anything else in this world, that kind of helps too. 

For me, the only way I can describe my time as a mum so far, is like a rollercoaster. It’s been a journey of ups, down, twists and turns and at times I have no idea what’s going to come at me next. And I can’t believe I’m about to say this but, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Everything that’s happened has shaped me into the mother I am, whether that’s a good or a bad thing remains to be seen! 

Follow more of my “not so full of wisdom” ways at www.shereekim.com