It is the seventh time I tell her. It upsets me that I am keeping count. I yell the eighth time only to elicit a “Please!” from the spouse. The rage I feel toward him is many folds larger than my irritation at my child for dallying around, refusing to shower.
It takes a toll.
This keeping track of who should be doing what, when and how. It takes a toll, this being responsible for other beings’ ability to go through their day. It takes a toll, this constant surveying of the pantry, organizing closets, washing, folding and putting away things where they need to be. It takes a toll, watching discarded clothes on the floor, toys strewn everywhere, dirty clothes airing on the bathtub, the faded bed linen. It takes a toll, the constant assessment of clothes and seasonal necessities, the ugly sweaters, team jerseys, spirit wear, and crazy socks.
They say it takes a village to raise children. Some days it feels like I would give an arm and a leg and then some for one person to share that mental load of keeping track, managing and running things so our lives do not fall apart.
The fatigue is real. The load is heavy. It is intensely lonely.
Yep.
Story of my life and a lot of our sisterhood too
Yes! Today we share much of the daily chores, but moms still do almost all the emotional labor of keeping a family going. It took my husband retiring while I still work for him to pick up some of it now that our kids are grown and gone. I feel for you.
Oh this is too real. Your posts often touch such raw nerves that I’m unable to leave a comment. Home and children can so completely exhaust you.
Hugs!
No matter what age, male or female, young or older, it DOES TAKE a major toll on body and mind. The children are all grown and on their own. But I still have an overgrown man child at home. It’s so discouraging and downgrading. I am trying to learn to ignore. To save my sanity. BTW he says the same about me. What does that say about us.
Oh boy! This post completely resonates with me (and I guess a lot of us mothers/primary decision makers at home)!! Keep writing.. !