I am the parent

I am the parent that...
     Leaves for work as soon as the kids are on the bus.
     Sometimes misses the bus because I have to be at work early.
     Can't get the kids off the bus, because I am at work.
   

I am the parent that...
     Realizes that she is not perfect.
     Has their kids do chores.
     No longer strives for perfection.


I am the parent that...
     Gets frustrated with the kids for not listening.
     Thinks of new ways for the kids to experience consequences.
     Knows when to walk away.

I am all of these things and more. I freely admit it. I leave a lot to be desired by some people's standards, but you know what?

My kids are learning right from wrong, without me smacking them around.
My kids have a roof over their heads, food in their bellies, and love in their hearts.
My kids don't really want for anything outside of reason.
My kids are unique and think for themselves.
My kids are smart without trying, and trying to learn out to apply themselves so they learn more.

In the beginning it's hard to understand that one day they will have to function without you, and every fiber of your being is screaming to help them. The reality is that we can't be there all the time, and one day they will be on their own. I have made the choice to work, the choice for them to pitch in at home. Is it wrong? I don't know. Is it right? I don't know. What I do know is, this works for my family. It might not work for your family, but I do know one huge thing about the future...

My boys will know how to do laundry...and that will make whomever they choose to spend the rest of their lives with...love me just a little bit more.