By: Jessica Lane
Updated: Jan. 24, 2020
Originally Published: Jan. 24, 2020
Last week felt like an endless marathon of stress. It marked our return from winter break, and everyone was off-kilter with their sleep schedules. To top it off, we were battling colds and our kitchen sink decided to leak. By the time Friday arrived, I was utterly spent. As I settled into bed, half-awake during my usual Netflix binge, I started daydreaming about the weekend ahead. I envisioned catching up on my favorite shows, diving into new books, enjoying quality time with my kids, and indulging in a blissful break from responsibilities.
But then came Saturday morning, and with it, the crushing weight of my household duties. After a busy week, I had no time to clean, so Saturday mornings were designated for scrubbing the house from top to bottom. I had convinced myself that cleaning was a form of “me time.” I would send my family out for a few hours, thinking I could relish the solitude. It should’ve been a breeze—my small home takes less than two hours to tidy up. My logic was simple: tackle the chores first thing and then relish a weekend full of fun.
But here’s the reality check: cleaning is anything but “me time.” On top of that Saturday cleaning frenzy, I also had laundry to deal with (my partner helps, but I pitch in) and groceries to pick up (even with online shopping, there are always last-minute items). I had to ensure the kids completed their homework, bathed, and did their chores. The fantasy that weekends would magically erase stress is simply untrue. Instead, I find my feelings of fatigue morphing into something more intense: ANGER.
Yes, weekends often ignite my rage. I end up feeling irritable about everything and everyone around me, and sometimes my frustration boils over. Just last Saturday, I had a particularly explosive moment with my seven-year-old, losing my temper over his forgotten bathrobe. I snapped at my teenager for leaving a dirty dish by his bed, and my husband was so intimidated by my mood that he retreated to the bedroom to fold laundry while listening to music.
I’m generally not a yeller, so when I found myself screaming at my youngest, he crumbled in surprise and sadness. “You scared me when you screamed,” he said, looking up at me with confusion. “Why are you so mad?”
That question hit me hard, and I sat down beside him, tears welling in my eyes. “I don’t want to be mad,” I admitted. “But I feel overwhelmed with everything I have to do.”
It’s true that my anger runs deep. While both my kids are in school, managing life with two working parents is a hefty load. We can’t afford outside childcare, so we constantly juggle responsibilities. Financial constraints mean we can’t hire a cleaner or babysitter. It’s all on us.
My husband has been stepping up and taking on more chores, which is great, but the bulk of planning still falls on me. I orchestrate our weekends, figuring out how to balance chores with social plans and rest. Being a perfectionist doesn’t help—my house can’t be messy, my work can’t slip, and I struggle to delegate tasks. This leads to pent-up frustration that inevitably erupts on Saturday mornings, which isn’t healthy for anyone involved.
I’m actively working on this. I’m contemplating hiring a housekeeper once a month to ease my load (and learning to let go of my pride about it). I’m also discussing my feelings with my therapist and having ongoing conversations with my husband about how to make our household responsibilities more equitable.
Most importantly, I’ve come to recognize that my anger is a pattern—a recurring issue I don’t want to inflict on others, especially on Saturday mornings. For more insights on balancing life and parenting, check out this post on home insemination. Additionally, if you’re looking for authoritative information on artificial insemination, visit Make a Mom’s Baby Maker. For more resources related to pregnancy, the World Health Organization offers excellent information.
Summary:
Saturday mornings often bring unexpected frustration for busy parents like me. After a hectic week, the thought of a relaxing weekend quickly shifts to overwhelming chores and responsibilities, leading to anger and resentment. Recognizing this pattern is critical to finding balance and reducing stress.
Keyphrase: anger management in parenting
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