Prior to having kids of my own, I would shake my head in quiet disapproval as I observed mothers ‘giving in’ to their child’s public tantrums, or screaming at their child to ‘just behave’.
I would make a wry face at the snot-nosed kids, running willy-nilly in mismatched outfits, as their mothers looked away in quiet desperation. Do these women not have any pride, I would think to myself? Can they not manage their children? Not I….oh never! I, of course, planned to have beautifully dressed, well-mannered, cooperative, bright, adorable little cherubs….some day….
Fast-forward some years, and I woke up to find myself overrun by three little ones screaming, whining, fighting, constantly demanding something or the other – food, attention, toys, vindication, you name it – and leaving a trail of destruction in their wakes. What had happened to my grand plan of perfect little angels? I was washing dishes and thinking how many things I had to accomplish in the next few days. There was the school paperwork to fill out; a trip back to the dentist to reignite discussions about my elder one’s dental appointment; gifts for three newborns in our neighbourhood; sort out our insurance papers; write a column; do some social work; take the last kid to the doctor for a suspected fracture that happened two days ago; plant the tree we were given over a month ago which is starting to look dead…
MUNCHKINS & MESS
All of this on top of the usual school runs, homework, spending quality time with my spouse…This is not a busy week though. This is just about normal. I sighed, turned to hunt for more dirty dishes and was surprised to see the rest of the family still in the room. They generally make themselves scarce during post-dinner, pre-wash-up hour. I could see the little ones – one trying to read a story loudly on the top of his voice over a screaming stereo; the other one dragging an empty laundry basket in one hand and dragging his baby sister atop a bean bag with the other hand.
This story is from the January First 2018 edition of Woman's Era.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January First 2018 edition of Woman's Era.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
How Can You Save Your Marriage
The mind is not a vessel to be filled but fire to be kindled.
Words Have Wings
Words have the profound power to uplift or wound.
Hold Onto Your Stetsons
Navigate the wild west of workplace racism with humour, resilience, and a dash of wit.
E-WAY OR ME WAY?
The trade-offs between human connection and digital efficiency.
RISING Above Setbacks
Every obstacle can become an opportunity for growth and success.
The Innovative Re-Constructed Sweets
A playful mix of sweets, snacks, and savoury creations.
Flirting With Disaster?
Are your coping mechanisms helping or hurting?
Election Tourism
An opportunity to understand how the world's largest democracy works.
The Unheard Voices
In a relationship, men have a voice and women have a body.
EMBRACE YOUR REFLECTION
The power of body positivity and Self-acceptance.
