THE MUM ROLE

Written by Sheree Hoddinett 

To all the mums, this one is for you. But if you’re a dad that kind of fills both roles (and I know there are plenty of you out there), this is for you too. Just swap a few things out. As a mum, I’m no expert. Not even close. Never have been, never ever ever ever ever…okay you get the point…will be. Why?! Because no matter what, on any given day, I still have absolutely no idea what I’m doing. It’s not a new thing, I’ve been saying it for years. And while I must be doing something right, I’m still convinced I suck at the role. I even say in front of my girls that I’m not doing a very good job. They disagree with me of course, for which I love them dearly, but they just say things to make me smile and because they want something. Yep, I feel you nodding along in agreement. Sure, we make it look like everything is running smoothly and everyone is alive (thankfully!) but underneath the surface, there is possible pandemonium. Okay, so maybe not quite that bad, but you get the picture. 

I know how to adult, well I think I do, but there are days I could easily pass for some crazy lady who makes all the wrong decisions. It’s almost like I have the angel/devil combo hanging on to my shoulders spurring me on. Either that or my kids really are the best in the art of manipulation. I swear it’s like some special built in, but definitely not an optional extra, that kids come with. They know how to win you over in your weakest moments. If only we mums could revolt sometime. But where’s the fun in that right? That’s why I eat so much chocolate, because it keeps me sane. That and it keeps the kids quiet when they get some too, hahahaha!

Because I am such a “great” mum, I thought it best to share some of my finest Mum moments (so far – because I know there’s still an eternity left to create more). They include, but certainly aren’t limited to:

• Swearing at my children – Yes I have dropped the f-bomb and the s-word both in front of and at my children. Sometimes they deserve it and I feel like the worst mother ever saying it, but other times I feel better getting it out. It’s those times when they just won’t stop asking for the same thing over and over again, even after you have said no more times than you can count.
• Telling them they can live with another family – I know it’s a little mean but sometimes it’s deserved. This usually happens when we’re out somewhere. I’ve been pushed to the brink of insanity while they touch every single surface in sight (thanks COVID-19) when I have specifically asked them not to or they repeatedly ask for a toy or a treat or food when I have said no because they have been naughty. Like we all do, I quite often give in and buy them something, just to get some peace!
• I tell them to go away. I do it because I can.
• Sometimes I hide the good food from them and lie when they catch me eating it. You know, chocolate!
• Saving the best for last. Sometimes when I hear them coming to look for me, I hide and then jump out and scare the living daylights out of them. It’s so good for a laugh! Yes I know it’s mean, but at least I do it in the daytime, they scare me in the middle of the night just by standing next to my bed!

Another thing that kids change (ruin!) and not for the best is your memory. No wonder they say having kids turns your brain into something resembling scrambled eggs. I’m normally pretty good at remembering a lot of things. I know getting older certainly doesn’t help and having kids just throws everything out the window. Quite often I can be walking into a room and have no idea why I went into that particular room. Or have a question ready to ask someone and then 2 seconds later, it’s gone gone gone. Even as I’m typing, some of my ideas are disappearing, probably my best ones yet, haha!

Being a parent is no fairy tale. It’s not all sunshine and butterflies. You won’t always walk around with a smile plastered on your face. If you do, I want some of what you’re having!

Check out more of my blogs at www.shereekim.com and until next time, always remembering you are doing a good job even if it doesn’t feel like it!