As a mom to multiples/multiple children, have you ever had a day when you were so stressed out that you thought,

“If it was possible, I would be fired…or maybe I need to retire.”

Let’s get honest. I am a mom, I am human, and I do make mistakes in this amazing, beautiful, but wild hand that God has dealt us. Raising multiples, and children in general, can take it’s toll on a mom.

It can be rough at times. And let’s face it, when you are a stay at home mom, there are no lunch breaks, no half days, no vacation time, and no consistent adult interaction. It can feel isolating and lonely, especially when you have many small children that are pulling your hair out for you.

Stressed out, maxed out, checked out.

Stressed out, maxed out, checked out.

Those are phrases that you may hear come from many mothers mouths, we have all been there. We get up early in the morning, pack bags for the day, make sure the house is clean before we leave, swim team, swim suits, sunscreen, feeding babies, lunch, park, the list goes on. And we all  know, when the day is busy, things can get crazy.  For the most part, I stay calm even in the middle of fits and meltdowns. Not because I have a lot of patience, but because I feel there is no benefit to me and the children melting down. I truly believe when the mom starts to let loose, it sets the whole situation on fire.

Well recently, I have been on fire.

We all go through times when we are a little on edge, and when I say “a little”, I mean “a lot.” We get short with our kids, and the stress takes over. Our days start out just like normal, but 3 hours later I find myself yelling at them in a bathroom somewhere…as they stare at their frazzled mother, confused as to why I am at the end of my rope. I often look in the mirror while I’m washing all those little hands and think, “I should be fired.”

It takes a lot to raise these kiddos, but I wouldn’t trade one second of it for anything. Things may get a little chaotic, but we all need to remember to keep our cool with these little ones that we have been blessed with. One thing is for sure: Kids need their mom. So if you, like me, get a little too stressed at times, take a step back. Go for a walk, call a supportive friend, or just sit down in a different room and take some deep breaths. Remember that these moments with them pass quickly, they grow fast, and we will long for these days in the future. So laugh, enjoy, and relax. Or at least try to relax!

On second thought, maybe I shouldn’t be fired, maybe I just need some PTO time.

(photo by skaletto)