I consider myself a pretty easy going person. I make it a point not to sweat the small stuff. However, the one thing that annoys me more than anything is when people without kids complain about being tired.
The other day someone whined, “I’m tired. I only got five hours of sleep last night.”
I couldn’t help but rolled my eyes. I do understand that this may be coming off a little bit abrasive, but I have absolutely no sympathy for people whose only responsibility is to wake up in the morning get themselves dressed and ready for the day. In other words, they don’t have a pet, an elderly parent(s) or another relative to care for, and no small children. Basically, they’re only responsibility is to take care of themselves.
My eyes are dimming as I write this post, so forgive me if I’m sounding a little bit emotional. But the point that I’m trying to make is that sleep is like a hot commodity in our household. I would kill to get five hours of shut eye a night. Most nights I’m probably averaging around 2 to 3 hours tops. Most most days I walk into work like a zombie. I pray that the Lord give me strength to make it through each newscast without falling asleep.
Take last night for instance. I got home from work late, I showered, pumped, chatted with my hubby for a little while, and then we went off to bed. Within about an hour I wake up to the deep belly cries of our one-year-old son. Like every other night, I nursed him until he went back to sleep, which usually takes about a couple hours. However, this time he decided to throw me a curveball. All Baby O wanted to do was play. Then his big sister woke up and asked for a sip of cold water. Luckily, she went right back to sleep, but her baby brother had other plans. He sang and wanted to dance the night away.
Needless to say, I didn’t get back to bed until about 5:30 – two hours before the alarm went off.
I woke up at 7:30 AM to get the kids ready for school. If you’re a parent, then you’ll understand that things aren’t always smooth sailing when it comes to getting kids dressed and out the door. This day was no different.
Princess sobbed about not being able to say goodbye to daddy before he left for work (even though he kisses her every morning in her sleep). Baby O woke up cranky, and didn’t want to get dressed. You’d think I’d be rushing them out the door to enjoy some peace and quiet. But as odd as it may sound, I wanted to make sure that we at least had a little fun before heading off to school.
I’m writing this post hoping that the next time a non-parent/caretaker says the words “I’m tired,” think of parents like me who basically get very little sleep every night. So unless you’re up all night taking care of a small child or a relative, please think about what you’re saying. I’ll even give you a pass if your dead tired from studying during the pre-dawn hours for the MCAT’s, LSAT’s or some other big exam. But if you’re out all night drinking, you can cry me a river. I still won’t feel sorry for you.
Instead of staying out late with your friends or boo – “droppin’ it like it’s hot” in the clubs, maybe you should just go to bed early. Then maybe you won’t be so tired.
Wow, I can’t imagine myself functioning on 2 to 3 hours. I sympathise with you, but in the same breath, just like those who choose to party all night, you chose to be a mother. Motherhood brings joy to most mothers and it also comes with it own downs, just like partying, a night of fun, will bring post partying fatigue.
Your post is obviously coming from an emotional place, but a little judgey if u ask me #Just saying.
I totally understand. I don’t have kids–but I work mornings. When people tell me they are tired I say– SHUT UP (IN MY MIND) HAHAHA
I understand that parenting is a difficult yet rewarding job but in all honesty you and your husband choose to have children and any lack of sleep or free time is a consequence of your decision.People who choose not to have children should not be guilted if they feel tired.We all make decisions and have to accept the results of our decisions.Sorry for sounding harsh am just fed up of hearing parents whine about their sacrifices.Nobody forced you to have children.
Wow! What a post. I have Ben reading your blog for quite sometime and to be very honest, this post rubs me the wrong way. We all make our choices and just because someone does not have a child/ care for a child they are not allowed to complain? Pretty harsh I think. Having kids is the highest responsibility anyone can have and I salute anyone raising a child. Like all things in life, everyone has a story. Just because a person does not have kids does not mean that they cannot be genuinely tired. As an international student in the US, I have had to work two jobs, go to classes and came home and cooked, with no family in the US, I was always tired. Physically, mentally and emotionally. It was the hardest thing to do. I am married and I have kids now and I am always tired. A different kind I tired, but I get it, I get it when someone says, they are tired. Because sometimes they just are. We all have a story and we all walk our paths, let us not try and judge.
Thanks Amy, I think you should go back and read the last paragraph again. Don’t over think this post. It wasn’t meant to offend. The point is that we are all tired. People without small children, caring for sick family members etc, can simply go to bed early. They have that option. As a mom, I don’t. Even though I spend most nights awake during the pre-dawn hours, I don’t go around complaining about being tired.