Tuesday, September 27, 2016

The Stuff of Nightmares

Today I realized I am literally my child's worst nightmare.

When Judah awoke this morning, I asked him, as I usually do, how his sleep was and if he had any dreams.

I had a nightmare mommy. You were really mad and yelling at me.

Uh, maybe that's because I AM always yelling at him. But not really because I'm mad at him. It's mostly because Noah is causing great disruption and WE ARE LATE!!!! And I'm flustered and annoyed at Noah, but everyone gets a taste of my scattershot wrath.

Judah endures yet another unpleasant trip - you and me, both kid.

But Judah's nightmare recounting really sobered me up.

I realize I yell at the kids all day, every day.

PUT YOUR SOCKS AND SHOES ON! WE'RE LATE FOR SCHOOL!

STOP PLAYING! DROP THAT TOY! WE'RE LATE FOR SCHOOL!

STOP FOOLING AROUND YOU'RE GOING TO SPILL YOUR CEREAL BOWL AND WE'LL BE LATE FOR SCHOOL!

Actually, you can substitute any variety time-sensitive events for "school" - church, Chinese lessons, doctor appointments, etc.

If we need to be somewhere at a definite time, there's one thing the kids can count on - Mom will be yelling.

I really really REALLY need to plan more margin into our departure times. But as someone who loves efficiency, it totally offends me that I have to allot 10 minutes to the mere putting on of socks and shoes and a jacket. I'm not even exaggerating just a little bit!

Ten minutes! For what normal people can do in 30 seconds!!!! But the alternative is, apparently, a nightmare.

4 comments:

Coach Beau said...

Haha. I know this routine personally. Evan takes 5 minutes to tie his shoes! Alana 15 minutes to pack her backpack...Ugh.

Alice in Wonderland said...

Thanks Beau! Glad to know it's not just my kids :-P

Kindra said...

(I can't remember if I have left a comment like this before. I am sorry if so.)

I am the oldest of four children - and we were spread out in ages. So, I helped get us out the door, particularly on Sundays. That was my whole life growing up, just my way of life and I didn't know anything different. My first Sunday away at college, I was completely befuddled to find myself ready to leave for church 30 minutes early. It took me a minute to figure out that the difference was that I was only getting me ready rather than helping two younger brothers (the one closest to my age did well on his own).

So, just look forward to the future! Time will magically reappear. :)

Alice in Wonderland said...

Yes I remember that story Kindra! It makes me feel very validated and optimistic!