*Please let me first preface with: I’m not a parent, so I can still voice certain truths that parents wouldn’t DARE utter in public or else drown in an unsolicited verbal assault for “being a bad parent” or “hating their kids,” etc.

Mothers Day, Fathers’ Day and Grandparents’ days are beautiful sentiments. The cards, presents, lunches/dinners are all very sweet.

If there are any days of the year that parents and grandparents should get what they want, it’s days like today. Grandparents’ Day is easy! They don’t usually, in normal circumstances, see the grandchildren everyday, so all day with grands is the perfect holiday! But I often wonder how many moms and dads get what they really want on Mothers’ and Fathers’ days? For example, I took a nice, quiet, rejuvenating nap this afternoon! How many dads really just wanted a nice, quiet, rejuvenating nap today and actually got it? LOL

Forgetting it was Fathers’ Day, I ventured out for lunch today. LOTS of moms, dads…and screaming kids. *sigh* No dads really looked all that happy and excited to be “enjoying” their designated day…with the kids. Neither did the moms on Mothers’ Day OR today, for that matter. I’m sure some do, but the majority I’ve seen, don’t. Maybe that’s what has always discouraged me from parenthood. Well, outside of the science fiction-type reality of playing host to something growing and living inside of you as a parasite for the better part of a year; that tires you out, makes you gain weight (as if I need help with THAT!), swell in places you never thought about, urinate when you laugh as it presses down on other organs, makes you sick in the first few months– only to force itself out by way of YOUR unattractive, excruciating, exhausting pain and agony!!! (Never thought of it that way, have you? Welcome to my mental world! LOL)

Don’t get me wrong! I’m sure parenthood is as rewarding in it’s own way, as the majority of parents tell me it is. And I feel proud when I hear of the achievements of the children in my life. I feel rewarded when 1 of those children hugs me, tells me they love me and want me in their presence. And I even felt loved, overjoyed and sad all at the same time, when my 4 year old little cousin didn’t want to get out of the backseat of my car after spending the day with me, because he knew it meant I was leaving him and that was his logic to keep me there! 🙂 The love of a child is VERY, VERY special! It warms the heart and soul. The fact that this little innocent being sees you in your simplicity and loves everything about you makes you feel like you’re doing SOMETHING right in this life, even when everything else feels wrong!

But parents still look extremely exhausted, frustrated, and stressed whenever I see them! I hear the constant yelling of children’s names over and over. It annoys ME to hear it, so I KNOW it’s gotta be annoying for you to yell it! I see the fidgety parent who can’t concentrate on grocery shopping or hold a conversation with another adult because of their kids. I’ve even been asked by parent friends if I also need to “go potty” when they excuse themselves from our table in a restaurant! LOL There’s always something kid-related! Never a moment’s peace…until the kids are asleep, but then it’s time to prepare for the next day! And let’s not even mention the juggling of parents to carve out time for each other, let alone themselves!

Moms and Dads have WAY too much “kid” in their lives on a daily basis already. So, here’s my suggestion for Mothers’ and Fathers’ Days. Next year, after the traditional special breakfasts, gifts, cards and verbal sentiments, get rid of the kids for the day! Have the other parent, grandparents or a trustworthy childless friend take them for the day! Yes, I understand that parenting is a full time job, but I think you deserve a break! You KNOW you want a break, whether you’re willing to admit it out loud or not! Society puts such pressure on what you should and shouldn’t say as a parent, that you forget you’re human with human feelings! There’s nothing wrong with being human! There’s nothing wrong with that natural feeling of wanting to get away from your kid(s)! Sometimes, I want to get away from your kids and I’m only with them for a little while, so I KNOW you need to get away sometimes! LOL It doesn’t make you a bad person or a bad parent! Quiet, as is kept, honey, you might find that you’re an even better parent if you’re honest with yourself about these things.

What good is a holiday just for you, if you’re doing the same thing on it that you do the other 364 days??? (You’re welcome! LOL)

Happy Fathers’ Day, Dads!