TechnoEarthMama

I can’t believe I didn’t include this in my previous post, “The Kids, the Crazy.”

But in addition to “it gets better” I should have said “DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, FEEL OR THINK YOU HAVE TO PARENT ALONE!”

Because that way lies further madness.

We’ve got this idea in much of the United States that we have to be independent and handle things on our own. And in general, yes, we do have to learn to be responsible adults and not depend on Mom and Dad for everything. Many people do not even have the option of depending on Mom and Dad for support.

But the idea that you should be able to do everything on your own is just as ridiculous as expecting to be a child forever.

So if you have young children, and you are losing it, accept help or go looking for it! Ask someone to watch your kids for a couple of hours while you read a book or go for a walk or resolve some things with your partner or spouse. If you aren’t currently in need of this help, and you’re able to, keep an eye out for people who could use your help, because they may not ask. And they may not have families who can help out.

And if things are really desperate, there may be professional services available to you, from counseling to children’s relief nurseries. These aren’t just for people who have socioeconomic or other issues. They can be helpful for anyone. Google them. Also look for new parent support programs, playgroups, anything that will connect you with other people who can support you. I know church isn’t for everyone, but a spiritual community can also be a great source of support (as well as an opportunity to support others).

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

BABIES. They’re a thing right now. Oh, I suppose they’re always a thing. But it seems like a lot of people I know are having them lately. We are done having babies, even though I often think MOAR BABIES would be awesome. I mean, BABIES! Cute and cuddly and always learning new stuff, right? Oh, [...]

There’s a lot of talk in the U.S. about sequestration lately. If you don’t know, basically Congress agreed in 2011 to find a way to reduce the national deficit by $1.2 trillion over ten years, and that if they didn’t do this by the end of 2012, automatic spending cuts would take effect, including cuts [...]

Need some reading material? These are my recommendations for September 18th, 2012 through February 26th, 2013: Breast pumps and the Affordable Care Act: Tips on how the insurance works | OregonLive.com – This sure would have been helpful when I was a nursing mom! A real Yahoo move: Ruth Marcus | OregonLive.com – Work-life balance [...]

My kids love pancakes, and they do make a cheap meal. However, when I make pancakes from a mix I feel like I’m feeding us empty calories, and I often feel sick after eating them. My husband feels sick enough that he usually won’t eat them. Twitter friend Stephanie Stricklen recommends Bob’s Red Mill 10-Grain [...]

My husband keeps asking “what is the purpose of education,” because he is disgusted with the state of education in the United States and thinks the entire system needs to be rebooted. I’m heavily involved in the system, so I tend to be slightly defensive about this, although I agree that the system needs change, [...]

This morning I went to Fred Meyer and got some doughnuts for breakfast (it’s our anniversary!). I decided to also get $15 cash, because I still owed the two younger kids their allowance. But, I was in the self-checkout lane, and I forgot to give myself my cash! I didn’t realize it until I was [...]

Dear Family: Today I asked everyone to help pick up the house a bit. It’s not unusual. We ask for this most weekends. And many times, everyone works together and gets things done beautifully. But today, there was arguing and complaining, and I think I’m still a little short on emotional resources from a stressful [...]