Lee Ann You ever hear that phrase?
It takes a village to raise a child.
Well, turns out it’s true. And while we don’t have a lot of family near us, our village/community is made up with some pretty amazing friends. I hate listening to people piss and moan about how they can’t stand their parents or their in-laws. How they suck at watching their kids or don’t listen to them on how to raise their kids, blah blah blah. I get pissed because we don’t have that luxury. I can’t just call up my mom and ask her to come over and watch my kids for me for a few hours so I can get stuff done. Nor can I go on a long overdue date with my husband. Don’t get me wrong, I want to. But it’s not feasible for my mom to drive 3 hours just to come watch my kids for me (plus she won’t drive in the city). I can’t tell you the last time I got to go on a real date with my husband. Sad, right? Not only do I have a tiny little list of people that I actually trust with my kids, I’m kind of cheap. Some of these babysitters cost an arm and a leg. So instead of spending money on a babysitter and then money on dinner and money on a movie and snacks, I choose to stay home. Because I can’t imagine spending that amount of money just to go out for a few hours. On top of that, my kids are sleeping for the majority of the time anyway! Oh, and the fact that I can barely stay up past my kids’ bedtime these days doesn’t help.
Here’s the other thing. When my kids are sick, or I’m sick, I don’t have anyone to turn to. What friend wants to come over and watch your kids when they are sick and quarantined to the house? Or watch your kids even though you found some nits on them. *shudder* I’m currently in a situation where are kids have been sick on and off for over 2 weeks and we just found out that one of them could be highly contagious and it could take up to 2 weeks to not be. How am I supposed to keep my job during that time?? Yes there are 2 of us, but at this time of year, who has that much vacation just saved up?
What I really want to say is this. Don’t take advantage of the help you get. Don’t say no when they offer to watch your kids or want to see your kids. Go. Have fun. Take a nap. Do whatever your little heart desires. And please don’t complain about it. Because as I sit over here and glare in your direction…it’s not really because I’m pissed…it’s really because I’m jealous.
