Reflecting on the Ordinary: Missing the Everyday Parenting Moments
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Chapter 1: The Bittersweet Transition
When my daughter entered kindergarten, I penned an article detailing my lack of tears on her first day. It took me quite a while—years, in fact—to fully process those emotions before they finally surfaced.
At that time, I was grappling with extreme burnout, attempting to juggle full-time work from home while feeling socially isolated. My husband was often away due to his demanding job and long commute.
Adding to the chaos, my extended family was experiencing turmoil and loss, leaving me to feel as though I had to hold everything together. My mental landscape resembled a scene from a dystopian movie, and I was trying to rebuild from a dark place with scant resources.
The start of school was a welcome relief, allowing me to separate my work hours from my parenting duties. While it was bittersweet to see my child grow up, I was so numb and depressed that the reality didn’t truly sink in until much later.
Now, as I reflect, I realize I have mostly healed, and my daughter is on the verge of adulthood. Those tears are creeping back, as I find myself longing for the little things I never thought I would miss.
Section 1.1: The Identity Struggle
I fought hard to carve out an identity beyond just "mom," yet looking back, it’s amusing to see how deeply motherhood shaped who I am. I never anticipated how much I would miss the small, seemingly insignificant moments, even while I was trying to rediscover myself. The family drama I mentioned earlier caused me to question everything I believed about myself and my relationships.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Academic Planner Revelation
One of the most unexpected things I miss is the need for an academic planner. Recently, one of my favorite planner brands, Sterling Ink, launched its first academic planner. Though I was aware of it beforehand, the launch hit me harder than I expected.
I no longer require an academic planner since my schedule is no longer intertwined with my daughter's school events. There are no handouts, and I’m rarely invited to school activities anymore. Any tasks I need to manage fit perfectly within my standard January-December planner.
Tip: For new parents considering planning tools, I highly recommend exploring academic planners, as they may suit your needs better during those busy early years.
Section 1.2: Missing Workout Companionship
I used to worry about accidentally injuring my daughter during workouts, often encouraging her to find something else to engage with nearby. Now, I would love to have her as a gym buddy, but she’s lost interest.
Some of my fondest memories from my teenage years include exercising with my mom to "Sweatin' to the Oldies" during summer breaks. To this day, the song "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" brings back those cherished moments.
Chapter 2: Nostalgic Moments of Parenting
Watching Caillou while Folding Laundry
I know many parents despise that show, but for me, it represents the calm weekday moments spent folding laundry and enjoying my daughter’s company. Even with its whiny protagonist, I miss having Caillou in the background of our daily lives.
Birthday Parties and Socializing
As an introvert, I dreaded attending birthday parties and organizing playdates. I participated out of necessity, but the chaos often drained me. Little did I know I would later miss those opportunities for social interaction.
Being Awakened Early (But Now the Dog Does It)
There was a time when sleep felt like a luxury. Every parent can relate! My daughter would burst into my room at the crack of dawn, jumping on the bed and bringing a wave of anxiety along with her. Now, the dog does the waking, which is less cute but also less anxiety-inducing.
Cherishing the Nighttime Routine
I often found joy in our nighttime reading routine, even when I was too tired to continue. As time passed, this ritual evolved into a delightful game, with my daughter braiding my hair while I read to her.
The School Pick-Up Ritual
I would arrive early for school pick-up, treating the wait as "me time" to read or catch up on calls. However, once my daughter reached middle school, our chats on the way home dwindled, and I miss that daily connection we once shared.
The End of an Era
In the midst of those early parenting years, my primary goal was to reach bedtime for a much-needed rest. Now that I have the space to breathe, I look back on those unremarkable moments that formed the foundation of our daily life.
Today, my daughter texts me from school, asking if I want to grab coffee when she gets home. It’s a new chapter, but I cherish those ordinary moments that linger in my heart.