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I always suspected that moms are some kind of superheroes…

Maybe I’m wrong, but I feel that the underlying question of the article is “Is there all that is to it?”. The answer is no. Actually it will get much worse. My girls are in third and fifth grade. They’re at their end of their Spring Break, which in all honesty we spent doing homework. Yup. Homework. We had a number of projects to wrap. That included a book report, a three page autobiography (really? at 11? what is she going to say? I never stuck peas up my nose and I hate tying my own shoelaces?), another three page report on the state of Montana, and an art project that was supposed to have 30 hours of work in it (hers turned to be a quite ambitious canvas that in all honesty is turning out quite well) and a separate poster board that is supposed to show all the steps she undertook to finish afore mentioned project. On top of it, both my girls decided that they want to participate in the Science Fair (they pull that one on me every year and I foolishly give in). That means two teams, two projects, two poster boards, two sets of experiments, observations etc - you get the picture. Now, granted, there was enough warning to get all this done. But you get caught in the daily details - do the regular homework, indulge them in a playdate or two, make them practice their piano, shuffle them to and fro volleyball, acting class, Mad Science - whatever their fancy is - and on top of it you have to feed them, make sure their clothes are clean, drive them to and back from school, remember that they’re children and they need to play, entertain their friends, volunteer in their school (mandatory), take care of your own pet projects (as we all are trying to save the world a bit and that takes time), keep the house up, keep the garden up, keep up with your friends or next time when you’re falling apart there will be no one to help you pick up those pieces, and make time to actually listen and talk to your kids (this one is kind of important). I’m lucky for having a husband who’s an amazingly loving and patient father - otherwise we’ll be frankly either dead or failing grades. And I’ll never get to read, or indulge in spending time with my friends, or any of those frilly things that we “girls” must do.
So - is there all there is to it? ‘Fraid so. But don’t lose heart. It will get much easier.And much more complicated. But motherhood is the best ride one can get on.

with your first child it’s normal to feel like that, lost and confuse. But with your husband’s help and yor both love for your daughter you’ll be fine, and your baby girl too. I learned from my experience not to be so hard to my self, and try to be more confindent. It’s important to have some time just for you during the day, and at that moment your husband must take care of your baby girl. And no rush, my dear! Everything it’s possible, so do not panic! She’ll eat well, she’ll walk by herself (my daughter did when she was one year old, with potty was a problem, but she used toilet very soon). What I am trying to say: take it easy, that’s all!

there`s a great african saying : to raise one child you need a whole village. So really your doing the job of a village community single-handed ! we european mums are supposed to do this without batting an eyelid , for some reason…..we also had a no nanny, no grandparents , husband away most of the time, situation,and looking back I would say : taking chill out times is of paramount importance because we need stamina for years ahead. Also, on the upside - there are few things in life as much fun as children. I agree: take it easy.

hi guys, thanks a lot for your comments, gave me a confidence boost. Michou, it sounds like I have it easy! Oh, and I never mentioned how much I enjoyed you’re credit crunch article on our blog. It’d be great if we could have more stuff from you, so if you feel the urge to write (about anything that inspires you), we’d love to share.