It's OK to be human

OK, I admit it. I'm human. I've tried week after week to rise above whatever crisis was going on in mine or my kid's lives to try to bring to life something worthy of reading. Some weeks the writing came much easier than others did. This week however I am virtually brain dead. I have ideas and desires for articles but not the energy to pursue them. My 18-year-old is fighting with her boyfriend, my 17-year-old is fighting with her mom, my 13-year-old has a birthday this weekend, and my 9-year-old is getting ready for Halloween. I'm a parent... and it's not always pretty. Yep, I'm exhausted.

I can't believe the week is going by so fast. Normally, I would be grateful because the weekend would be here, but for parents the weekends are not always time for relaxation. This week alone I have played the psychiatrist role so well that Dr. Frasier Crane would be proud. If only I had his voice! I've been a tutor, a doctor, a listener, a disciplinarian, a cab driver, etc. I think the only person I haven't had time for is, well, me. I'm a parent.

I would like to write something really witty, throw in some exciting web sites for you to visit, leave you wanting more. Not this week, maybe next. You see, I'm not unlike any of you single dads or moms out there who give their heart and soul to their children daily. I have physical and mental limitations, very real ones. So, if you so happen to stop by my page and read this one day, don't feel like I've lost it. I'm just one of you. You see, being a parent is much like the Greek god Atlas holding up the world, only as a parent you are holding up your children. You feel their pain, share their triumphs, bottom line you are part of them. It's exhausting.

But you know what, it's also the best part of being a parent. It took me a good while to come to terms with this but I've learned it's OK to be human. I think it's even good for our children to realize that we do have limitations. So if I cut some corners on my article this week, just understand that my children gained where you lost. There is actually a message in all this madness, though. Be human, just as this author is human. Once in a while, don't feel guilty for just shutting down. Ultimately, we put our heart and soul on the line for our kids daily. Every now and then show them you are human. If you can do this, it will make for a healthier relationship for you and your kids. Children expect a lot from us and they should, but they also need to realize that we can't do everything.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic