Raising babies in your 30’s PT2
After a LONG STRESSFUL morning yesterday I was absolutely over it well before 10am. The kids (all three of them) have been beyond demanding all week. The baby can’t really help it but that fact of the matter didn’t exactly make a difference in how absolutely overwhelmed I was. The older two though… they know better. While yes, I do understand kids have their moments too, it was getting out of hand. Fighting about doing chores and school from my middle child, my high schooler who has only begun her first year of public school after being homeschooled since 6th grade now completely slacking on everything she is responsible around the home because of new excitements that has been deemed important enough to forgo being involved as a member of our family… teens, IYKYK 😮💨
It all took a tole because part of me felt guilty for expectations that are technically the bare minimum wanted to just pick up the slack and no feel the burnout but I also knew that wasn’t possible. I tried anyway. That’s just the reoccurring lesson that shows me where I personally need to work on my own people pleasing codependency coping mechanisms that literally serve no purpose for me anymore because I am not in that environment.
After realizing that and the chaos of everyone FINALLY getting to serious business on their chores I was able to get the baby fully taken care of, took the time to get myself properly dressed and feeling refreshed while spending some time talking to my Heavenly Father the entire process, and then take a couple hours to myself and my partner while big sister watched her siblings. It was a MUCH needed break from everything. I do wish it could have been longer but, moms have to mom, and it was just too close to dinner.
Thankfully my partner understood the assignment and took it upon himself to make hamburger helper for dinner after we finished household & grocery shopping. We ended our night with playing a game of Mario Guess Who and I got to go to sleep without having to do night feeding. God is so good & stepped in right when he knew his daughter needed him most!
I guess with that said, thank God today & remember it’s OKAY to experience those human emotions & even make mistakes. As long as we repent where necessary and take the steps towards making things right.
#thoughtsoflemon8 #thoughtoftheday #growingasaperson #unfiltered #RealTalk #momsoflemon8 #momsover30 #inyour30s #overstimulated #overstimulatedmomsclub
Oh, I completely resonate with those days – the ones where it feels like the clock hasn't even hit 10 AM, and you're already running on fumes, wondering how you'll make it to bedtime. Being a mom in your 30s, especially with multiple children spanning different age groups, brings its own unique set of beautiful chaos and overwhelming moments. It’s a constant juggle of nurturing a baby, navigating the evolving needs of a middle child, and trying to connect with a teenager who’s finding their independence. Some days, it feels like you're stretched thinner than a rubber band about to snap, and you know what? And that's OK! It truly is. I've learned that one of the biggest battles we face isn't just the kids' demands, but the internal pressure we put on ourselves. The guilt for feeling overwhelmed, the expectation to be a perfectly patient, always-on-top-of-it mom. But motherhood, especially in this vibrant decade of our lives, is rarely picture-perfect. It's messy, it's loud, and it's full of moments where you question everything. One thing that has been a game-changer for me is embracing tiny acts of self-care. It doesn't have to be a spa day; sometimes it’s just locking the bathroom door for five minutes of uninterrupted quiet, a hot cup of coffee enjoyed in silence before anyone else wakes up, or even just putting on 'real clothes' to feel a bit more human. These small moments are like anchors in a stormy sea, reminding you that you're an individual, not just a caretaker. Another crucial aspect is openly communicating with your partner. When you’re feeling the weight of the world, sometimes just saying "I'm overwhelmed, I need your help" can make all the difference. It's not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength and a healthy relationship dynamic. My partner and I have found that explicitly dividing tasks, even simple ones like 'tonight you do dinner, I'll do bedtime,' can prevent misunderstandings and build a stronger team. Remember, they can't read your mind, and often, they genuinely want to help but might not know how. And for those moments when the kids are pushing every single button, whether it's the baby crying inconsolably, the middle child refusing chores, or the teenager retreating into their own world – take a deep breath. Try to remember that they are also experiencing big emotions, learning boundaries, and navigating their own growth. It doesn’t excuse challenging behavior, but it can sometimes help shift your perspective from frustration to a more understanding place. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, allow yourself grace. We're all imperfect humans doing our best to raise other imperfect humans. There will be days when the house is a disaster, dinner is takeout, and you feel like you've failed. But there will also be moments of pure joy, unexpected cuddles, and proud milestones. It's about recognizing the ebb and flow, forgiving yourself, and knowing that every day is a new opportunity to try again. So, when those tough days hit, remember to breathe, reach out for support, and know that you are not alone in this incredible, demanding journey of raising babies in your 30s. And that's OK! You're doing an amazing job.
