Ever hear the expression it takes a village to raise a child? In my experience, this is so true. In fact, since I have three kids I wonder would it take 3 villages? 

Just recently my sweet little girl was diagnosed with strep throat. Her fever has spiked off and on for almost 6 whole days which means we both haven't slept in almost a week. As exhausted as I am, I have managed to try to get her better all the while trying to keep my other two occupied this summer. Let me tell you that keeping a seven-year-old and a two-year-old entertained in the house while still trying to take care of a sick little girl is anything but easy! We have had coloring contests, done arts and crafts, played hide and seek; you name it!

As much as I think I can "do it all" by myself and manage everything, I know in my heart it's not possible. In other words, I know my laundry will never be washed, dried, folded and all put it away. I know my house will never be spotless. I know there will be days I can't bathe my kids. This I have "tried" to accept. It's funny how before you become a mother you have this idea in your head that your child will just flow with your routine and it will all be so easy and so effortless. Then you have the baby and it's a huge wake up call! You are forced to be in the routine of the child and everything else gets put on hold.

I think every mother goes through this time and time again. In our society we as parents are expected to do it all. We are frowned upon if we are a working mother yet frowned upon if we are a stay-at-home mom. I think it's important as a parent to be able to give yourself a break. I also think it's important for the child to have a handful of adults they can trust to care for them too.

This is where my family members or close friends come into the picture. We are lucky that we have some really great family members that play a huge role in my children's lives and help out when they can. Of course, it goes both ways and I help out when I can too. I truly think that's what family is all about.  Like I said before:

It really takes a village to raise a child!

Do you agree or disagree? Do you feel as a parent you are expected to do it all?

Jessica

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by Jessica G