Today is a day that is definitely harder than other days. As a step-parent you are completely thrown in the deep end without a paddle, and nothing can prepare you for the tantrums, the exhaustion, and the endless baby shark. Not kidding. I swear baby shark is my nemesis that I can’t win against; mind you, at least it’s better than the depressing warbling of “let it go.”
Ah, this brings me to “let it go.” Your car rides will henceforth comprise of having the back of your seat kicked, and the completely dreary, 110% depressing Elsa and her bloody sister with a movie that is comprised of 95% music. Pretty sure there is only 10 minutes of that whole movie that isn’t singing and the movie just does not get any better. Yet children are obsessed with it, completely beyond me because as an adult I am damned near in tears every time it is requested.
So today I actually could truly pass as a parent: I look exhausted, I feel exhausted, and the defeated part of me knows sleep is a long time away. “Naptime” lasts all of 30 seconds, for the kid that is, I could nap for the next three years! The movies depicting sleeping kids on mats at nap time are a complete fallacy to lull you into the illusion that children actually sleep. The reality of it is they go go go all day. Today I went into deadset meltdown mode.
Where am I going with this? You will absolutely have 💩 days. 110% 💩 where you have listened to more than anyone’s fair share of “Baby shark,” the godforsaken “Let it go,” what’s left of your nervous system is completely shot and you’re quite literally ready to hurl yourself off a balcony. You are going to have days like this and I’m here to tell you IT IS OK! It is absolutely ok to go I NEED A BREAK right now! What you DO need to do in this situation is talk to your significant other and if they are any form of a decent, supportive partner, they will understand and respect your needs and give you space to put your frazzled self back together.
It’s crucial to remember that taking care of yourself is not a luxury, but a necessity. Parenting is a relentless, full-time job with no real breaks or timeouts, and it’s okay to admit when you’re overwhelmed. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether it’s from your partner, family, or friends. Lean on your support system and make time for self-care, even if it’s just a few minutes of quiet to breathe and gather your thoughts.
Find small ways to recharge: a quick walk, a warm bath, or simply a moment of silence can make a world of difference. Also, don’t underestimate the power of a good laugh or a vent session with a fellow parent who gets it. Remember, you are doing an incredible job, even on the days that feel impossibly hard.
Embrace the chaos and imperfections of parenthood, and know that you are not alone. Every parent has been there, and it’s okay to have bad days. What matters is that you keep going, keep loving, and keep showing up for your little ones. You’ve got this, even when it doesn’t feel like it. Hang in there, take a deep breath, and let go of the guilt. You are enough, and you are doing great.
On the plus side, you will have small moments of the day that you actually laugh. Mine was having a laugh that Miss three can’t spell yet (thankfully) because I realized that the only clean t-shirt I had is a shirt with Pingu on it with “Noot noot mother f**ker.” Take the small wins!
