The Truth About Children

October 7, 2014October 7, 2014 by theseordinarygraces In The Kids, Write 31 Days 2 Comments

You want the truth, kids?

Today you were hard to like. Honestly, you haven’t been very nice the last couple days. Your attitude has been poor, you’ve responded with snark to my requests and you keep asking me what you get to eat. Now, don’t get all upset and think I don’t love you, because I do. But sometimes, sometimes, you are not very precious.

But I guess if we’re talking honestly, sometimes, neither am I.

Sometimes I’m lazy and don’t keep up with you like I should. Sometimes I don’t listen, really listen, when you talk to me.

Sometimes I stomp away or slam things around (cabinet doors, anyone?) when I don’t get my way or you don’t do what I ask.

And sometimes I yell.

I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking “Duh, Mom. Today much?” To which I would respond, “Lose the attitude, kid!” Oh, wait, I’m yelling again. Oops.

What I’m trying to say is. . .

I’m sorry for all the times I look at my phone instead of your face.

I’m sorry for all the times I’m more interested in the state of our kitchen than the state of our relationships.

I’m sorry for all the times I only see a mess instead of your masterpiece.

I’m sorry for the times I lose my temper at your childishness without first remembering that you are, indeed, a child.

So if you want the truth about children, you have to know the truth about adults, too. We aren’t perfect. We mess up and get mean. We say bad words and hurt each other’s feelings. We fight and yell and roll our eyes.

How about we give each other a little grace? Instead of focusing on what you’re doing that is driving me nuts, I’ll remember that sometimes I drive you a little nuts, too. And let’s both try to do better, together.