There is nothing more rewarding or more amazing than being a parent. But, lately asone of my children has entered the world of schoolage, I am realizing that this really is THE hardest job in the world. At least the hardest job in MY world, but that’s what makes it so great. Where I have struggled for the past six years is how to be a happy, undistracted parent when my personal “non-mommy” world has bumps.
I call it the game of Donkey Kong. How do you interact with your children when you are jumping over constant barrels and swinging from vines and trees? How do you interact when you have an argument with your spouse? Or, you’ve had a lousy day at work? Or, your mother is bothering you. Or, you are just feeling the stress of everyday life for no particular reason, except for the fact that you just ARE.
I wear my heart on my sleeve. I have gotten better over the years, but still wonder how I can be the kind of person who can shut it off until 7:45 p.m. (when the kids go to bed). How can I ensure that they don’tsee what’s happening in my world? How can I put my game face on?Am I the only mom who struggles with this?
My husband is really good at turning it off. I’d like to know how YOU turn it off. How do you put your game face on for the kids? How do you conduct business as usual, even though you just don’t want to or feel like you can’t?
Suggestions?
