If I would go to any employer with a resume that said 10 years experience, I would be considered experienced, knowledgeable, reliable. I have been a mom for 10 years now, and I feel the opposite of experienced, knowledgeable and reliable in this position. 10 years just means I have survived what is probably the easier years so far.
I have not had a teenager, or a child move to middle school with lockers and class schedules and all. I have not had to teach someone how to drive a car, or talk to them about dating. I have not had to watch them make their own decisions about their future and see them walk out the door as an adult. I have not had a child get married, suffer a great loss, or have a child. All of these things sound a whole lot harder than teaching your child the ABC’s or how to brush their teeth. I got that.
The next ten years do not seem like they are going to be easier. I realize it may be less hands on and therefore I may actually be able to take a shower, wash my hair, brush my teeth, AND, yes AND use mouthwash….all at the same time. However, I do not call that being easier. I think that is going to be harder. I am not going to know exactly what they need from me or how I need to be there for them. I am frankly terrified. I know I will figure it out, I mean if I can figure out potty training, I think I can figure out most anything, right? But for now, I am going to cherish the time I have right now. The time when, the day before Mother’s day at bedtime, my little sweet 3 year old says, “Mama, you stay with me, I hold your hand.” And that’s all he needs.
