Before I had kids, I said so many ridiculous, judgmental things about parents and their kids. Here is my public apology:
Situation #1:
I once went over to a woman's house for dinner who was a stay-at-home-mom and had three children. Her house was nice, but not spic-n-span, and the dinner she made was good, but not gourmet. When I got home, I remember saying something to Zach like this: "...and their place wasn't all that clean and the food wasn't all that great. I mean, she's a stay-at-home-mom, isn't that her job? What does she do all day?"
I literally feel sick to my stomach recalling those venomous words coming out of my mouth. If you've caught yourself saying something like that (especially about my food and my house!), will you please come over here so I can beat you? Seriously, come hang out with me for a day. Better yet, take care of my kids for a day, and at the end of it, serve me a nice dinner in a clean house. I dare you.
So, for situation number one: I'm sorry! I take it back!
Situation #2:
On another occasion, I went over to a couple's house before I had children, and they had a two year old. This mom and dad let their two year old bring a couple of toys to the table and when he was done eating, they let him get down and play around and under the table. When we left that evening, I said something to Zach about how they should be teaching their two year old to sit at the table until everyone is done.
Um, Past Me, you are not only super mean and judgmental, but you are an idiot! He was TWO. His parents wanted to be able to talk and visit with us; not fight an impossible battle to live up to an unrealistic standard about polite behavior for toddlers. Get over yourself!
So, for situation number two: I'm sorry! I take it back!
Ugh, I'm sure there are more, but I'm embarrassed enough admitting I actually thought/said those things. Parenthood is certainly an exercise in humility. My foot doesn't taste very good.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
I take it back!
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Oh dear. Thanks for this. Just what I needed this morning.
ReplyDeleteWhat about the people who might never have children and therefore will NEVER understand? That is especially hard when you have relatives like this...
ReplyDeleteBTW, I'm sure your apologies are accepted now - maybe will a very slight grin?? :)
I am cracking up! And I'd better apologize for getting mad at the parents who couldn't get their kids to stop crying on airplanes. It was all fun and games until my one-year-old threw up on me mid-flight...Now I AM that mom!!
ReplyDeleteI think I need to join you for the apologies. To the women in grocery stores whose kids grab things off shelves and whine and shove each other in the checkout line: I understand now that you didn't WANT to take them to the grocery store and that you want to get out of there as fast as you can.
ReplyDeleteOh, and to the mothers of children exhibiting atrocious manners and attitudes: I now know that lack of food and delay of nap can do that to even the most docile, admirably raised children, as well as to ones like my own.
Thanks, Kate!
You are so great, Kate! This made my day.
ReplyDeleteOh - and I have a confession, which I feel like people will say - "Geesh, she's a stay at home mom, can't she clean her house?" For the first time ever, we actually paid someone to come clean our house on Monday. I feel guilty, but life is crazier than it's ever been and I can't tell you how good it felt to come home to a clean house - I mean EVERY room clean at the SAME time - amazing!
I love Emily Joy's comments, too - very good points!