WARNING: I'm going to piss people off with this blog. But, just know, that if you think I'm directing this blog at you, specifically, I'm not. This isn't directed at any one person in particular. It's more of a general statement about certain types of moms. Also, I know I'm not a perfect mom, but this is my blog and if I want to bitch about something.....I will!
I've always been thought of as a laid back person, but the reality is that I'm not overly laid back, I'm just really flexible. If something comes up, I adjust. If plans get changed, I change with them. And I don't get upset about it. I just flex. By definition, flexibility refers to something having a shape, then changing shape, then returning to it's original shape again. The key words? HAVE A SHAPE. You have to have a shape to be flexible. You have to have a routine in order to be flexible with it. I get super annoyed with inflexible people. I just don't understand it. I'll be the first to admit that I have a routine. And I think it's important for children to have some sort of routine in their lives. It gives them a sense of stability and security. BUT, I also think that it's VITAL that you give your children BALANCE! You can't be so strict and rigid in your routine that you create inflexible adults. Nothing sets me off faster than a mom that says "I can't do that. That's when my kid naps." I always want to say "So, nap them at a different time." I would NEVER not do something, just because that's when Jackson naps, or eats, or plays, or whatevers. I've always been like that, and because of that, he can be flexible when he naps. He can also be flexible when he eats, plays and everything else. I also think I need to clarify. I'm not advocating that parents just do whatever they want, whenever they want. Remember, you have to have a shape to flex. It's all about being balanced and creating balanced children. Now, of course, I'm not talking about children with any sort of special needs. I get that there are some children that simply can't stray from a routine. But, I've seen, first hand, as an elementary school teacher, what happens to kids when you are so strict and scheduled in a routine. They become unbalanced and inflexible young adults......
That's all.....
while i see what you mean, i think you also have to consider that it's much easier to deviate from the schedule with one or even two children. the more you have the more of a disruption it it. you know? so if i skip naptime, i have not one but four little people that make me pay for it the next day. NO outing is worth that :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I definitely get that. I don't have any friends out here that have more than 2 children though (yet) so everyone that I'm talking about has either 1 or 2. Not as many as you. Most of them only have 1 actually. I'm sure your children get their fair share of being flexible. You'd have to be with that many in your family. What annoys me is those only children that the world has to revolve around.
ReplyDeleteoh i TOTally get that one :) i get frustrated when my friends with one either a. always want me to come to Their house or B. can't understand why i can't always jet on out to the zoo or the children's museaum or a movie (hello?? i have to actually budget for those outings! it costs us a fortune!) i'm sooo sorry that i can't seem to plan my day around little tommy :)
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