I don’t know how many times I’ve heard “you’ve got your hands full!”. I know this phrase annoys some people, but I have never been bothered by it because I have 4 kids under 4 years old; I’m pretty busy every day.
It is definitely an interesting sight to see my kids and I out and about to run errands, go to doctor’s appointments and to meetings. Here is a visual for those who haven’t seen us: I’m the mom pushing a double stroller filled with two kids with one hand, using my other hand to hold onto my daughter, and making sure that my son is holding onto the stroller. It takes several trips to get the kids and everything I need out to the car. It also takes a long time to get everyone out of the car, masks on (for the older ones) and ready to go. Usually someone is crying, and I’m making sure that no one is trying to make a run for it. I am definitely grateful for automatic doors and for all the kind strangers who see us coming and hold the door for us!
I have had my fair share of embarrassing moments when I’ve gone out with my kids, as I’m sure a lot of other parents have had. (Please tell me I’m not the only one!). It is in those moments that I get frustrated and wonder what strangers must think of me when they see me out with all the little ones.
Do they only see the chaos? The number of little hands and what that must cost to feed? The noise? The stress I must be under? Do they think I am irresponsible for having so many kids so close together? Do they think I’m a bad mom?
That is a dangerous road to go down. And I know it should not matter what others think. But caught up in the heat of the moment, my stress and doubts start to find their way into my thoughts.
But you know those bad, embarrassing moments involving our kids that all parents experience? That’s all they are! They are just bad moments. And those strangers caught you during one. They do not see all the good moments and love that happen in your home.
Honestly, my house is usually messy. You can be guaranteed to find toys on our floor and a laundry basket full of clothes that need to be folded and put away. It gets pretty noisy from crying and tantrums. And yes, it smells whenever the kids have messy diapers.
But if you choose to only see the chaos, you’ll miss out on all the good moments! Toys on the floor means the kids are having fun! That laundry basket that you haven’t gotten to? It means that you have been busy taking care of them. And the noise? It’s not all crying. It’s also laughter, and joy!
“You have your hands full!”
Yes, yes I do! They’re full of love.
