Early motherhood years are tough and trying. And as much as young kids act as stress busters, in an inexplicable way, they are also a kind of stress givers too. Well-meaning relatives who have managed to raise a half a dozen kids say and even I know that it’s just a phase, but at the moment it seems like an eternity. Though Shaarav has never been a picky eater and he seldom fusses about food, of late he has become an obstinate child with a violent temper. He refuses to budge if he isn’t given what he wants.
I have been that mom who has tried to handle the situation by love, persuasion, diversion, or even resorting to more uncalled for means like shouting and screaming. I’m not particularly proud of them, but sometimes things do tend to go a little out of hand calling for more serious action when nothing else works. I have spent an absurd amount of time cooking food that I know he loves only to find out that he wants entirely something else at the moment. And believe me, no amount of reasoning works with a headstrong almost three-year-old. And of late I have been talking and shouting and screaming so much that I have begun to get irritated at the sound of my own voice. Why does motherhood have to involve so much talking? Not that I’m complaining or I don’t love talking but it is insane how much talking motherhood involves every day.
I know a couple of moms with children the same age as Shaarav who are also going through the same phase, and stressing over the same things. We try to derive relief and satisfaction from knowing that we are not alone and how familiar our worries feel.
Motherhood is unlike any other job in the whole world – you never get off the clock. But then, there’s no better job than motherhood. After having legitimately worn out at work and having a frustrating episode of mothering with my unreasonable toddler in addition to having a hotchpotch of other confusing mothering feelings, when my little one snuggles into me finding comfort in my arms I feel perplexed from a feeling of contrastingly mixed emotions.
There’s no denying that parenting is tough and motherhood is indeed confusing but what’s also true is the love. So even when I’m stressed with responsibilities that come with helping this tiny human grow up the way I’d like him to, I constantly need to make a conscious choice to never give in. I constantly need to remind myself to enjoy this phase because I won’t be having these same worries once he grows up a little. And for that very reason, I need to remember to worry a teensy-weensy bit less and take in the absolute love that being a mother brings; even when at the end of the day, after being spent at work it becomes a hell lot difficult to remember this.
I consider motherhood to be a lifetime experience which is full of conscious, effortful choices that I make every day. And I want it to be coloured and shaped with the right kind of choices that I make and the right kind of attitude that I bring in with me. So I work double as hard and with as much gratitude and love I can muster. And though I am more of a ‘word person’ when being a mom becomes overly overwhelming, I try to make my love for my child known to him by kissing his booboos, answering his nonsensical questions a 100th time and sometimes giving in to his unreasonable demands.
A mother’s heart is never off duty. But, I do not want to indulge myself in over thinking about my child in a manner that’s unhealthy or obsessive, but is like a fragrance that constantly surrounds me with love and freshness. And for that, I need to keep reminding myself that in the grand scheme of things it’s really just a phase.
This post is a part of the theme “My Cup of Motherhood” on which you can read my first post “The Truth Behind My Picture Perfect Motherhood” here and the theme reveal here.
P.S. I am taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa.
Love,
Mrs. Sunshine
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Such a lovely post! Straight dil se! I always say that being a mother is the best experience I have had but sure it comes with loads of baggage. Reading your post lends hope to mothers like me. Keep writing such informative posts. #MyFriendAlexa #DiaryOfAnInsaneWriter
True! A mother’s heart is never off duty. Loved the style of your writing. Lovely series.
Being a mother , means never ending resposibities! In present times , it is a big challenge.
Beautiful thoughts
aaww.. thats so true.. They say, they will grow up but they can’t outgrow our hearts na.. so its not a phase. its our life now
That’s very true. Motherhood brings contrasting emotions to the surface.
I just loved every bit of your post. I could easily relate to it. I am sure to read the whole series. It was a wonderful post.
Could relate to most of the journey as I am mother to a 4-year-old. Indeed the path is challenging but a smile from the kid or a sudden cuddle makes every effort worth it.
Motherhood is a beautiful journey with many ups and downs. We learn as we go and as our child grows. With every stage there are new set of challenges and many moments of pride,happiness. But in the end all boils down to our own attitude, and personality.
That’s such a nice post, motherhood is really beautiful with lot of ups and downs and learnings
Yes, motherhood is tough and it is really a great & beautiful phase for every mother.
Motherhood is a full-time job! Great to see how you perform that job with dedication.
Indeed, motherhood is a bliss and a beautiful journey. Could relate to your post completely.
Oh… How I feel you. I have gone through this phase which you are in currently. My thoughts were so similar to yours then.
But then, this is what motherhood is all about. It is draining and exhausting on one hand when you feel so helpless as to how to raise your child and are full of self-doubt, and it is blissful and rewarding when your child comes back to you seeking your guidance and desperate for your love and care.
And to tell you the truth- phase of raising your child will never end. It is an ongoing process having many chapters in it. So keep the faith and cheer up.
#readbypreetispanorama for #MyFriend Alexa
I agree with you here, it is tough but just a phase, it would change for better soon <3
Nice
Actually being mother is not an easy job
Well written
That is a very interesting take on motherhood and though it is rewarding it is challenging too.
Agree with each and every word. Motherhood is a compelling journey that soon becomes a part of you!
Your parenting tips are fabulous. An eye opener for parents with demanding growing kids. And happy Alexa to you
Agree so much with you. Being a mother is the greatest blessing in disguise. When I see a smile on my daughter’s face it makes up my day. #MyFriendAlexa #ShubhraReads
Motherhood is a lifetime journey and has its ups and downs. I didnt have any info on it when I became a mom 35 years ago. All the best to you. #wordsmithkaurreads #BlogChatter #MyFriendAlexa
Motherhood is just a phase but it is the reason behind most of our lives:)
Nice post.
#MyFriendAlexa
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Hi Shweta.. I can absolutely relate to your post ! U have peened down your feelings so beautifully.. 🙂
True, motherhood is an ongoing and never-ending journey,
I have learned a lot in this journey with my experiences.
Happy motherhood to you too
I recently wrote on what I learned thru parenting – https://praguntatwa.com/2019/09/10/parenting-with-patience-and-positivity/
Quite an emotional post, motherhood is a process for me. Where we learn new facets of mothering every single day.
Parenting is full of challenges and rewards.
Motherhood is a fulfilling journey which tests us and gives us maximum happiness. Can relate to this post completely.
your experience reminded me of my early motherhood journey. and believe me, it pains a lot at that time. I literally used to ask myself did I really want this? But time heals all emotions and your child grows out of that stage of life.
I am still more of a kid myself. ? So I can’t exactly say that I was able to relate to your post on a deeper level. But your words resonated with my Amma’s. She also says that all her sacrifices and efforts were worth it, because of the way my brother and I turned out to be. ?
Quite relatable. Now that I have slightly older child than yours, I can say this is a phase.
Very true, motherhood is 247365 hr job, though satisfying , and worthy!Loved your post!
Motherhood is so beautifully explained by you in the post. No one, other than a mother, could have managed to write such a beautiful account of emotions and feelings 🙂
Beautiful post !
So relatable, we all struggle within ourselves after motherhood, the pure love of kid holds us together.
#millennialscribbler #myfriendalexa
My son is 18 months.. and I am always in a hunt of a good recipe.. mostly all the food which I cook for him goes into my tummy..but yes, it’s a relief that it isn’t permanent .. it’s a phase and will pass..
Hey Shweta couldn’t agree more to it. Sometimes and many a times I am confused, irritated, frustrated and tired being a mom. But the joy in that smile and hug is what keeps me going
I echo your thoughts completely. Motherhood is tough and on demand job that has to done with perseverance and patience.
A heart pour indeed! All this and more in the journey to motherhood but yes certain frustrations, confusions are only for a phase!
And nothing against the bliss of motherhood
Very nice post and it is good to know that you are not obsessive about your child. Being a parent is tough and finding the right balance can be tricky.
Could relate to all that you said. Parenthood is never easy. But you evolve! That is the best part.
I am not a mother, let alone not yet married, and i am petrified of both the stages in my life. I see around mothers are constantly at pressure and on their toes. Sometimes even fathers. But women go through so much of changes in life it’s difficult to balance everything at once… So proud of you for writing this. So many women out there could relate to this and know they are not alone… Keep writing. ?
Such a relatable post
Hi Sweta! It’s a good way to remind ourselves as a parent that it’s just a phase and we need to be present. Very relatable post. 🙂
Mom’s heart is never off duty, so true
Totally agree, here. For every tough situation with a toddler, the best way to deal with it is to consider ‘it’s only a phase’
Being a mom means a never ending resposibities ! Though the challenges of each phase is different.
This is absolutely relatable. As a mom, I often feel the same things too
beautiful post Shewta and it seems you had written my thoughts ( actually all moms thought) in this post. indeed motherhood is most beautful journey for any woman’s life but at the same time it is challenging and tiring too..#Myfriendalexa #Surbhireads
A mother is always there for the child. And she never goes off duty. Motherhood is tough but still we don’t regret those extra working hours!
Just loved the sentence a mother’s heart is never off duty that is more than enough to say what we do.
#tmmreads #myfriendalexa
Motherhood is the best experience one can feel in a lifetime, though it’s tough, with patience, love, care. It’s really a very beautiful journey with our kids. Very nice post
I could relate every word of it as my twinnies are 3yr old and it really get tough at times. The only reward that mom’s get is their innocent smile and bear hugs which makes all the efforts worthy.
Aww loved reading it! amazing
I loved reading your take on parenting. Being a parent is a true blessing. I learn something new from my daughters everyday and they help me be a better version of myself
Never ‘off-duty’ is what resonated with me. My kids are relatively grown up and don’t need me so much for physiological needs but I always am on emotional needs duty 😀
Motherhood differs from mother to mother but the insane love for own child or anyone’s kid is all same 🙂 I’m yet to express this phase but will post articles about my journey as well.
#MyFriendAlexa #vigorousreads