Every day, it becomes a little bit clearer just how little I know – as a parent, as a writer, as a woman. Just when I think I might have things figured out, the universe decides to throw me a curve ball and shake things up a bit.
And lest I forget just how little I know, I can always rely on my children to remind me. Nope, you’re wrong, they tell me. No, wrong again.
The other night after filling up the car with gas, I slid back into the driver’s seat and remarked, “It sure smells like rain, doesn’t it?”
“No,” my nine-year-old replied.
“Well, it sure looks like it’s going to rain, doesn’t it?”
“No.”
Two minutes later, as raindrops splattered on the windshield, I said, “Look, it’s raining.”
“No.”
“What are those drops on the windshield?”
No response.
“You sure do like to disagree with me, don’t you?” I asked.
“No.”
So there you go. I don’t know anything. Except…
I know this much is true…
There are few problems that can’t be cured with some cookie dough and a nap.
Never underestimate the benefits of cheap wine, good shoes, loud music, laughing until you cry, and crying until you laugh.
People are essentially good and kind and brave. Being good and kind and brave is REALLY hard sometimes.
When in doubt, choose love. When in doubt, choose love with a side of doubt, anxiety, and second-guessing.
It takes becoming a parent to really understand just how much our parents love us – and how difficult we made their lives for years on end.
Good enough is good enough.
Despite any evidence to be contrary, life is good and the world is a beautiful place.
Friday night dance parties are much more fun than a night out clubbing.
The best antidote for a shitty day is a bitch-fest with a good friend, preferably with wine and chocolate.
A picture might be worth a thousand words, but they don’t tell the whole story – especially when it comes to photos on Facebook.
Finding a tribe – especially a parenting tribe – can be a long and hard journey. But when you find your tribe, it feels like coming home.
I will cry at parent-teacher conferences.
We’re all just doing the best we can.
Whatever I think I know today will probably be proven wrong tomorrow. And if it’s not, I can always count on my kids to remind that I don’t know anything.
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What do you know to be true?
14 Comments
I cry at parent-teacher conferences too! Which can be quite embarrassing when your kid is in high school.
I know that no matter how much I feel like I’m screwing up this parenting gig, my children know they are loved no matter what. And that’s enough.
That’s so funny, Dana!
I feel the same way too. Trying. Falling. Trying some more. Loving the whole time.
I love this, Christine!
I’ve found that treating myself to a bunch of fresh flowers always injects happiness into a rough day!!
xo, Emily
Thanks, Emily! And what a great idea!
Christine, I just love this post. The first part cracked me up, my kids are the same way, they are so often contrary with me, well, my daughter especially 🙂
I think your list of knowledge is so wise. “When in doubt, choose love…” I need to tattoo this on my body.
What I know… there is nothing so sweet and heavy as my child’s sleepy arms wrapped around my neck. That certain songs will always make me cry, and that’s not always a bad thing. That no matter how exhausting it is to pick a movie on family movie night, I love the snuggling that ensues.
Thanks, Dana! You’ve given me an idea…I’ve been wondering what my next tattoo should be. Maybe it’s my own quote! HA!
And yes, certain songs always make me cry too. And the prep for movie night is exhausting, but so worth it.
So true. We are all just doing our best. As for know-it-all 9 year olds… wait till they’re older! I have two grown sons who know more (or think they do) then I’ll ever. Oh well, that’s the nature of motherhood. Our kids need to assert their independence. Nice post.
Thanks, Laurie! I have a feeling it will get worse before it gets better in the know-it-all department 😉
Loved all of these!
Thanks, Nina!
Loved this, Christie. Especially finding a tribe. So essential
Thanks! Finding a tribe is hard, but when you do, it is so much better!!
Yup, the teenagers are a pretty dependable bunch when it comes to knowing it all and letting you know you don’t. I have found that a nice, sweaty workout w good tunes tends to smooth out the harsh edges of the day. -Kat
Chocolate helps too. 🙂