The one question that I get asked over and over is “How do you do it all?” And I try to be polite but most of the time I laugh and said I don’t. I honestly don’t ‘do it all’ and I never will. Maybe our definition of “all” is a little different though, but to me it means my house is clean, my dishes done, laundry put away and my kids eat three square meals a day. Is that what you were thinking “all” means? Because then I very much do not do it all. I maybe partially do all of those things daily, but never do am I physically able to get everything done and continue to be somewhat sane.
I am very blessed that I am able to work from home while my kids are young and that they go to mothers day out 3 days a week. [Whaaaaa?!] Yup. Both of my kiddos go to “school” for a few hours 3 days a week. And you know what I do? I work. I go to the gym sometimes. I eat lunch in the quiet. And if I have any time left, I wash the dishes and put away a load of laundry. But even then I fight an internal mommy battle about sending them to school. I think I struggle almost every day with the feeling that I am in some way failing them as a mom. From dropping them at school, to letting them eat while watching toons in the morning, to not having a bed routine written in stone. I worry all the time that Im not going “by the book” and my parenting is lacking.
So lets clear the air and set my mommy conscience free. Here is how I do it all. [Or don’t do it all.]
- My kids hate sitting down to eat, they are like free range chickens during meals
- Sometimes, they don’t get a bath every day. Sounds gross but its better for their dry skin.
- I work at night and sleep in most days. Ryon gets up early and handles the kids for an hour or so. [And I love him dearly for it!]
- Ryley sneaks into our bed every.single.night. And I love it.
- The kids clothes are mostly housed in laundry baskets. I have it on my “to-do” list every week to hang them up.
- On days the kids are home, I sometimes don’t shower or leave the house.
- I refuse to pick up after them until they are asleep. There is no point in fighting that endless battle.
- The kids rarely wear pants around the house. Or clothes in general.
- My dishes prefer to soak overnight. Every night.
- Most days there is lots of yelling in the house. Sometimes from the kids, sometimes from mom.
- Once in awhile, Ill nap with the kids. And its amazing.
And I could go on. But you know what? My kids are polite. They say please and thank you and Im sorry. [Sometimes they have to be prompted. I don’t have angels here people.] They are sweet. Both of them give me hugs and kisses all day long and tell me “love you too”. Ryley even says Im her best friend. And they are funny. We laugh more then we yell, cry, scream, and argue. If those three things are all I accomplish as a mom, then I’ve done my job. And Im proud to say that I am enough. And so are you!
You can click on this image, right click and save as if you would like to print it out.
I made a printable because I was inspired by Brooke from my real.everyday.life. I follow her on Instagram and she is just so inspiring as a person and a mother. She has 5 boys yall! FIVE! And those boys seem to be the sweetest, kindest boys I have seen. Its nice to be reminded that as mothers we are enough. We are strong enough and mindful enough to be able to do it all.
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Gabby O says
The “free range chickens” line had me laughing out loud! My 3 year old does the same thing…and believes the best and ONLY wardrobe consists of a pair of panties and cute pair of shoes 😉
Kelley says
Haha! Our daughters would get along just fine! 🙂
Shannon (@DEsUnion) says
I have gotten the same question for many years (since I had 3 kids in 2 1/2 years). I love dispelling the myth that I do it all. Now that I am in college, I get it all over again. I admit I am fine with child slave labor, I sometimes go back to bed after the kids leave for school, I use the t.v to babysit when I need uninterupted study time, and my dishes usually “soak” overnight too. No one can do/have it all. I just wake up every day prioritize, and do the best I am capable of. Sounds like you do the same:)
Kelley says
Yes yes yes! So glad Im not alone!
Shannon (@DEsUnion) says
me too!!
michelle m iverson says
So talented you young mothers are. Those years were the very best years of my life!! And how i miss them.I have 6 wonderful children. Yes even though they are semi grown up they will always be my children. If i close my eyes i can still see my beautiful 27yr.old crawling to meet my at the door. I never did cute adorable things really. But they still call me and ask how to make one of their favorite foods.Mostly it was the time we spent together. so much time , And i cherished every minute of it.
Kelley says
Thats the best, just remembering the time you spent together. I wouldn’t trade it for the world! Your children sound wonderful and have a great momma!