As I listen to a Huey Lewis track, I find myself pondering, “Is this really it?” It’s a thought I first encountered in my bedroom back in 1985, jamming to my boom box. At that time, I never imagined I would end up coaching a soccer team, grappling with the challenge of keeping my players engaged. Honestly, I wasn’t even sure soccer existed in my world back then.
Fast forward to today, and I’m sharing this peculiar saga with my partner, Matt, who seems completely unfazed. I can understand why; there’s a backhoe parked in our driveway, a daunting sight aimed at tackling a long-overdue drainage problem. The project looms large and pricey. As we eat our dinner in silence, our kids buzz about their day filled with soccer tryouts and scoring goals. I catch Matt gazing out the window, and I wonder if he’s hearing Huey Lewis’s lyrics in his head. Did he, as a child in ’85, imagine himself eating hotdogs on a Wednesday while contemplating whether this home project was beyond our means? Is this it?
In the kitchen, I watch my children as we transition to the next part of our evening, aptly dubbed “Roundup.” This is the time when chaos reigns. Lunchboxes are checked and prepped for school, dinner plates are cleared away, coffee is brewed, and our pets are tended to. Finally, it’s time for the kids to slip into their pajamas. This should be a peaceful moment, right? I’ve seen pictures online suggesting that children should be reading quietly at this hour. But I’ve never mastered that serene scenario. Even during their baby years, bedtime was a cacophony, often culminating in tears. At least now they can manage their own outfits.
While taking our dog out for her evening stroll, I’m still mulling over the soccer dilemma. I had made promises to my younger self about how motherhood would unfold, including the commitment not to live vicariously through my kids’ achievements. It’s easy to get swept up in their successes—I want them to shine, of course—but I know it has to come from within them. Teaching my children that inner desire is the key to motivation has proven to be the greatest challenge of parenting. Eight years ago, I might have said potty training and sleep schedules were my biggest hurdles. Perspective is everything.
As I wrap up our brief walk to the backyard, an image of my daughter playing soccer pops into my mind. She’s beaming, as if the camera is capturing her joy, even as our team faces defeat. Just last week, she asked if she could play with her cousins. That recollection reminds me that perhaps I’m actually achieving my goal.
Maybe, when I was dancing to Huey Lewis in my purple-walled room, I was somehow envisioning this very moment—this night filled with soccer-related challenges. The specifics may have been fuzzy, but the intention was clear. If I could survive sleepless nights with twins, I can certainly tackle this next phase, often referred to as the middle. It’s a messy journey, but it’s definitely part of the process, laying the groundwork for the teen years ahead where solid foundations are crucial. Adaptation is key as we navigate this terrain.
Returning home, I’m jolted back to reality. In just five minutes, a typical sibling spat has escalated into the familiar soundtrack of yelling, crying, and pinching. I trudge up the stairs, hearing the shower running—where Matt is likely pretending not to notice the chaos. Meanwhile, our dog has decided to hide a beloved stuffed animal, prompting more screams. I tuck everyone into bed, even re-making my 7-year-old’s bed, which has become a nightly ritual. After goodnight kisses, I retreat downstairs, grab my phone and a glass of pinot, and settle in for a moment of relaxation. Soon, Matt and I will place bets on which child will struggle to sleep and which one forgot about homework. We’ll recap the day, lay out plans for tomorrow, and if the mood strikes, discuss our dreams and future aspirations. And in those moments, I realize I’ve found an answer to Huey Lewis’s question.
In summary, music can often provide unexpected clarity, guiding us through the complexities of life. Just as Huey Lewis’s lyrics echo through our minds, they can help us reflect on our journeys as parents and individuals. For more insights on family life, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and donor insemination, and if you’re looking for ways to boost your fertility, consider exploring fertility options that can support your journey.
Keyphrase: Huey Lewis and parenting
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