Parenting Adventures: The Daily Struggles and Small Victories
I’ll never forget one week after bringing Aiden home from the hospital. I was in full meltdown mode, questioning everything I was doing as a new mom. My sister, with her infinite wisdom, said, “Cynthia, you’re his mom—yes, you’re doing it right!” Some days, those words still bring me comfort, and other days, I think, “I’m definitely doing something wrong!” LOL! 😅
I didn’t start tackling my PTSD and anxiety until Aiden was over 9 years old. By that time, I was convinced I had already scarred him for life. So, I asked him one day, “Son, do you think I’m harsh, mean, or too strict?” He looked me straight in the eye and said, “You’re doing great, Mom. You have to be strict because I need some rules, but you’re also a fun mom.” 🥰 That was both reassuring and humbling. I sometimes feel like a drill sergeant, preparing my son for this crazy world we live in, but hey, maybe I’m not totally messing this up!
Paul and I must be doing something right because Aiden is thriving. He’s an excellent student, excelling in all his classes, a math whiz like his dad, and a research nerd like me. But what really amazes me is his emotional intelligence and empathy. This kid has a heart of gold, and I’m constantly in awe of how he navigates the world with such kindness and understanding. 💖
Starting Fresh with a New School
This year, we’re also navigating the uncharted waters of a new school. The principal and teachers we loved are gone, and in their place are new policies, new rules, new uniforms, new apps to download for communication, and we must have our pick-up line tag to pick up our child (mind you sometimes I pick up my child plus his friends, it takes a village)—plus a dash of what I can only describe as nonsense (they call classes “flavors” now, because why not?). I was ready to pull the plug and enroll Aiden at a different school, but Aiden and Paul convinced me to give it a shot, especially since his friends are still there.
So far, it’s been a bit of a learning curve, and I’m trying to keep my heart and mind open to this new experience—but I’m not quite sold yet. I miss the warm, friendly staff from before; this new team feels so cold and rigid. And it didn’t help that we weren’t even allowed to walk our kids to class this year. 😒
On top of all that, Aiden has to lug around a laptop every day. You’d think my military rucksack was heavy, but this poor kid’s backpack feels just as bad—maybe worse—because they don’t have lockers. I’m already on the hunt for a rolling bag because it’s ridiculous to be carrying that load from class to class. Seriously, how is that good for growing kids’ backs?
That said, let me tell you—every single day getting him ready for school is a battle. I can’t even imagine what it would be like having mutliple kids, those of you who do you’re the real MVPs. We have to wake him up an hour early (or at least try to), and every morning, it’s the same routine: “Don’t get stuck in the bathroom,” “Get in the shower,” “Hurry up!” And of course, the F-bombs start flying after the third ask. Yes, I’m a big potty mouth, and no, I don’t sugarcoat it. 🤷♀️ Then it’s the checklist: “Did you brush your teeth?” “Did you put on deodorant?” “Where are your socks?” “Put on your shoes!” This scene repeats every Monday through Friday like clockwork. 😩
To keep our sanity (I say this very loosely, LOL), Paul and I have developed a few best practices to make school mornings just a little less stressful:
Clothes Ready the Night Before: We make sure Aiden’s school uniform is ironed and laid out in the living room—socks mismatched or not. Having a uniform takes the guesswork out of what he’ll wear, and it’s one less thing to argue about in the morning. 👍 And don’t forget to get your own clothes ready too! When I was younger, the ‘lucky’ sister (4 of us) used to iron my dad’s work clothes every Sunday. We’d earn a whole 25 cents per pair of pants or shirt. 😂 But hey, his uniform was always ready, and it kept the morning routine running smoothly.
Charged Devices: His laptop and mouse are charged the night before, so he’s ready to tackle his schoolwork without any tech issues slowing him down. All my electronics are charged overnight too (smart watch, earpods, headphones, etc.)
Meal Prep Like a Boss: I meal prep lunches and dinners every other Sunday. Whatever Aiden eats for lunch, Paul and I will have too, with the exception of his beloved California Roll Bowls. (Thanks to my friend ChatGPT, I’ve got a great meal plan that’s healthy, easy peasy lemon squeezy, and affordable)! Half gets prepped for the current week, and the other half goes into the freezer for the following week. If I could recommend just one hack from all of this, it would be meal prep! It’s a game-changer, trust me. 🙌
Parenting is a constant juggling act, and no two days are ever the same. What works for us may not work for everyone, but these little routines help keep the chaos to a manageable level. What about you? Do you have more than one child and some extra parenting tips up your sleeve? Please share in the comments below—after all, sharing is caring! 💬👇
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Disclaimer:
I am not a doctor, psychologist, or licensed therapist. Everything I share is based on my personal experiences and should not be considered professional advice. For personalized guidance, always consult a licensed medical or mental health professional—yes, a real one, not "Dr. Google" or the comment section of social media.
If you're in crisis, please call 911 or reach out to the 988 Lifeline for immediate support. You're not alone, and real help is available.
