It’s all too easy to look at the parent of ‘That Kid’ and wonder what’s going on. Why can’t they manage the basics? Is it really so tough to get a six-year-old to jot down ten spelling words each week? There are countless Pinterest boards dedicated to creative ways to keep track of lost glasses. Surely, there must be a method to keep books from disappearing into the void.
Other parents seem to be nailing these parenting milestones. So, what’s my deal?
I can relate. I once was the ‘Other Parent.’ When my eldest, Jamie, was in kindergarten, I stressed over every homework assignment. I lost sleep over his science projects and meticulously signed every paper. I had his clothes ready the night before and always kept a stack of library books by the door. I was juggling his baby sister and dealing with a surprise pregnancy – yet I felt like I was the perfect mom, a true Claire Huxtable in the making.
Then life threw a curveball. On Jamie’s first day of first grade, his little brother was born three months early. Suddenly, homework and reading logs lost their significance. Our family went into survival mode. How does one care for a two-pound infant while also raising a toddler and a six-year-old? How do you cope on little sleep while splitting your time between home and the NICU?
Things only became more challenging with the health issues of my youngest. Our home turned into a hub for 24-hour nursing care and medical supplies. Homework? That became a distant memory. We focused solely on getting through the day.
Fast forward a few years, and we emerged from that storm. The once fragile baby is now a vibrant little boy, healthy and full of life. No more nurses or equipment – just a family with a story to tell.
Now, that little boy is in first grade himself, facing his own homework challenges. Sure, I could do a better job keeping track of these things, but I’ve been preoccupied with much more pressing matters. While I understand the intention behind homework – to instill a sense of responsibility – I also recognize that the urgency often feels misplaced.
As a grown woman, I aim to teach my children the balance between understanding the importance of responsibilities and prioritizing their well-being. I worry that others view me as the stubborn, flannel-wearing know-it-all. But honestly? I don’t care.
I’m learning to balance perspective and priorities alongside the non-negotiables of parenthood. Saying no isn’t the end of the world. I’m doing my best to instill these values in my kids. They need to grasp the importance of deadlines and respecting others’ belongings, like a borrowed Pokémon book from school.
However, they also need to understand that it’s okay to pause and take a breather. Sometimes, after a long day filled with learning and social interactions, it’s perfectly fine to unwind with a little Minecraft before tackling spelling words.
I know this perspective might be contentious. But I stand by my principles. Some things are worth stressing over; first-grade homework isn’t one of them. If that makes me the parent of ‘That Kid,’ I wear that title with pride.
This article highlights the nuances of parenting and the realities of juggling responsibilities, reminding us that it’s okay to prioritize our well-being alongside teaching our children essential life lessons.
For more insights into the journey of parenthood, check out our at-home insemination kit and learn from CDC resources about pregnancy and home insemination.