Off to after school snacks and getting home work done. Running them to dance, soccer, piano, baseball; these amazing mothers do it with a clockwork like finesse, despite the often harried look in their eyes. Three to six pm becomes the "witching hour" for moms everywhere who cram, micromanage and transport their beloved children. It is simply a beautiful, crazy thing to watch.
Mothers out there, you are not alone. As I look in the rear view with my car full of kids, some not my own, rushing off to dance, then gymnastics, then back home to make dinner, I get you. I know the harried look, I know the exasperation yet happy busy joy, I am one of you. I understand life in the carpool lane.
Who knew as mothers we would find ourselves immersed in our children's busy schedules and agendas? My four year old has more entries in my day planner that pertain to her needs than I actually have for me. Times two more busy children and I often feel overwhelmed. I sincerely wish that we could add a few more hours in the day to accomplish everything on the to do list. How satisfying that would be?!
Yet sometimes we need to slow down. Our children will survive if they have a day after school where they don't have an activity to go to. In fact they might thrive even more. I am the queen of extracurricular activities and loooove letting my girls try new things. However I admit I have learned this lesson the hard way. It is perfectly ok to be busy and perfectly ok to have calmer days. Make sure it happens in your house. You all need a day to regroup.
So mothers out there finagling your minivans into the carpool lane... giving everything you've got to get to the front of the school pick up line. Chill. Our kids will be ok. They will still get where they need to be and your blood pressure will thank you. I have often looked in my rear view with my van full of giggling girls and it has made stop and smile. Motherhood is so busy. Let it be a little less. That might turn out to be a surprisingly wonderful thing too. -- Brit
Great post for Moms! It's always good to remind people to take the time to take a beat!
ReplyDeleteFor sure, thanks Brendy!
DeleteI am living a life in the carpool.... 1 and half hours commute to school today. Ugh. I agree. Slowing down would be so nice.
ReplyDeleteThat is rough!
DeleteSuch a wonderful post! We all need to slow down!
ReplyDeleteThank u!
DeleteCute!! You're such an amazing mom :)
ReplyDeleteOh thank u Lindsay!
DeleteI couldn't agree more! I have often seen that look in other mothers faces and it seems very stressful. I am not a mother myself but I do know the key to life is balance so your advice is perfect!
ReplyDeleteThank you! And thx for reading:)
DeleteYour post couldn't be more accurate. It is nice to just slow down and breath sometimes.
ReplyDeleteDefinetly, thanks for reading!
Delete3 kids, 3 carpool runs with 4 kids that aren't mine, and soccer 7 days a week. I look forward to the off season, but I also love seeing the joy on the kids' faces when they get that time to chat with their buddies.
ReplyDeleteIt is crazy busy fun! Thanks for reading!
DeleteI felt like I lived in the car for a few hours every day. There's so much running to be done!
ReplyDeleteFor sure:) thx for reading!
DeleteIt's also good to remind people that there are carpools of Moms out there on the streets with a van-load of kids and to slow down and be more careful. Great Post! I do remember when! I envy you. You'll have many good memories too. I promise~! :)
ReplyDeleteOh I know! I have lots of good memories! It's going by too fast!
DeleteWhat a great post for parents! I think they need to be reminded that they can slow down a little and take some time for themselves. It's not selfish!
ReplyDeleteDefinately Gabby, thanks for reading!
DeleteI used to feel like I was on the road all the time! I have really slowed down and keep my schedule clear of as much as I can.
ReplyDeleteGood for you Bonnie! Thx for reading!
DeleteVery funny post. As parents we get so carried away with getting to school, gymnastics, soccer class, and all other classes on time. We just need to chill sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI agree Sandy! Thanks for reading!
DeleteHello My Name is Michelle and I am a....CARPOOL MOM. I am glad there is a place for us to confess our overachieving little hearts out.
ReplyDeleteLol for sure Michelle! I love my crazy life but venting is essential:)
DeleteIt's amazing how busy are kids are today. I was never so busy as a kid. I think they have more of a social life than many adults. LOL
ReplyDeleteIsn't that the truth! Thx for reading:)
DeleteThis is a great post for both mothers and fathers. No one ever tells you how incredibly difficult it is to raise kids.
ReplyDeleteTrue Ben! Thx for reading!
DeleteGreat post! Mothers really are super woman :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading Laurel!
DeleteHaha, I totally can relate! Although, my schedule is a little more forgiving as my child is still in preschool! Great storytelling! <3
ReplyDeleteJust you wait:). Thanks for reading!
DeleteThis is an excellent reminder to slow down. I think we all forget that rushing around is just stressful and doesn't accomplish much.
ReplyDeleteSo true. Thx for reading!
Deleteregardless of being a mother.. i think everyone can get caught up in the hustle and bustle.. and it's such a good reminder to slow down.
ReplyDeleteLife is so busy for so many of us! Thx for the reminder:)
DeleteGreat advice mama… life full of events and activities, with a frazzled, stressed out mom isn't what the kiddos want either. Plus it won't stay enjoyable for mom either. Gotta pace yourself indeed!
ReplyDeleteTrue that ( lol) thx for reading!
DeleteI do need to slow down and see each day for what it is. I recognize this but struggle with actually doing it!
ReplyDeleteOh so do I Stefany. One day at a time:). Thx for reading!
DeleteI don't live in the car pool lane. We tried the after school activities but they just weren't for us. No one enjoyed them, not even the kids.
ReplyDeleteYou are smart to keep it simple;) thx for reading!
DeleteI'm lucky my husband likes to do pick up for our daughter and she only has one after school activity but that day is pretty hectic.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice hubbie! Thx for reading:)
DeleteSeriously, enjoy the moments instead of thinking of the stress! We homeschool our kids - no pickup lines for us! Even then, our schools have busses and those kids that live too close just walk.
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing! I wish I had the skills to home school!
DeleteLove this! I imagine I'll totally be one of those hands on moms that volunteers for everything and it'll definitely catch up to me.. I'll keep this in mind :)
ReplyDeleteIt is totally fun to be a hands on mom and my kids love it! Too much can be too stressful on everyone tho. Thx for reading!:)
DeleteAs they get older I think it gets a lil easier
ReplyDeleteHoping so:) thx for reading!
DeleteBeing a mom is definitely hard!! Love this honest post!
ReplyDeleteThank u Kendall!
DeleteI like the way you wrote this. I've been running kids around since 1990 and I still have two little kids, so this year I took a break. No gym, or sports or dance until after Christmas. I just can't do it without passing out.
ReplyDeleteLol Sharon! You sound busy busy:) thx for reading!
DeleteSome times we really do need a brake to just sit and look at all our blessings in life. We all seem to feel the need to get everything done quick. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSo true, thx for reading!
DeleteMy son is just starting school and already life feels so hectic. Thank you for the reminder that it's okay to slow down!
ReplyDeleteThx Rebekah!
DeleteI think you must gave wrote this about me! Constantly on the go!
ReplyDeleteI hear ya Ronda:) thx for reading!
DeleteI can't even imagine having kids to look after too at the moment. I have so much on everyday I barely have time for my poor boyfriend and he lives with me!
ReplyDeleteKatie <3
Life is busy! Thx for reading:)
DeleteWhat a great post and reminder for Moms. You aren't alone, even if you may feel like it at times.
ReplyDeleteOh I am sure a lot of moms out there can relate :) thx for reading!
Deletemotherhood is really a wonderful things and experience! we just gotta stop sometimes and think how lucky we are enjoying these life with our kids
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Best job ever:)
DeleteI guess this is what I have to look forward to in the next few years! :)
ReplyDeleteOh Susan it's all crazy good fun:)
DeleteI have a five year old and a three year old and I am definitely not looking forward to the minivan wars. I do take a more laid back attitude on things -- that it will happen, my kids will be ok, and life will move on.
ReplyDeleteThrifting Diva
www.thriftingdiva.com
Good for you, I need to be more like that. Thx for reading!
DeleteMy kids would love a go,go,go lifestyle but we have limited the kids to two activities + school functions (monthly skate nights, etc). I have to hold onto my sanity with both hands. Some days are just crazy without all the outside demands.
ReplyDeleteAndrea that is an awesome idea! Thx for sharing ( and reading:)
DeleteI'm trying really, REALLY hard to live a little more "slow." Being in the moment and enjoying what's here right now because I know it'll be over so quick. Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteThx for reading Trish!
DeleteThis is great! My niece always has something to do just about every night, but we make sure our kids aren't feeling over scheduled & get to just be kids.
ReplyDeleteThere's no break when you are a busy mom. Being able to stop and enjoy the giggles is what makes us even more amazing! Cheers Brit!!
ReplyDeleteFor sure:) thx Marielle!
DeleteYour feelings on this are dead on. I have a book that I love called "Minimalism Parenting". It's pretty awesome.
ReplyDeleteI will have to check that book out, thanks Jessica!
DeleteWhat a great post - so true, we all need to slow down and take a break!
ReplyDeleteThx for reading Jenn!
ReplyDeleteI love this and love your blog! I am one of those moms and like you I learned the hard way. I now limit the activities. I now know sometimes they need cuddles and vegging. My kids thrive more from family time than extra curriculars. Took me a long time to see this. So now we do one or two things at a time for each kid. It's still a lot but much less than it used to be.
ReplyDeleteThanks Christen! I hear ya! And thanks so much, I am new at this blogging thing and appreciate the kind words:)
DeleteLove this! Life in the car pool lane! It's so exciting to have them experience new things and want them to have all the experiences that they can but with more than 1 kid a mama with out some me time would go Cray so I agree lol Chill your kids and you are going to be awesome!!! great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks Liv!!
DeleteI don't know how you all do it. Moms amaze me.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post.Kids need free time to relax. Activities are great but we all need down time.
ReplyDeleteLoved this post! Less is def more in motherhood more times than not :)
ReplyDeleteLoved the concept of "carpool lane moms". Never heard that, even though I lived through that stage. :D
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for all this! ( i say that now right ;)) I have a 15month old so i'm enjoying being a SAHM with her now but can't wait til I can start signing her up for dance classes or sports!
ReplyDeleteI feel you.. haha but good thing is that I only have 2.. Making life a little less complicate.. hahaha though there are times that when the two girls are demanding of something at the same time, i go nuts! haha
ReplyDeleteI used to be one of those harried moms. Thankfully, it does get better as the kids grow up and become more independent.
ReplyDeletewonderful post thank you!
ReplyDelete