 Did you ever see those houses that have weed-free, perfectly
manicured lawns, trimmed hedges and not a single tree growing out of
their gutters? Most people will look at those houses and think,
"Wow, those people are really good landscapers!"I think, "Wow,
those poor people must not have any kids!" This may or may not be
true, but if they have kids, how do they have time for all that?
For some people gardening is their hobby. They enjoy it.
Therefore, whenever they have some "me time," they go weed the
pansies or edge-trim their driveway.
Most parents will tell you that "me time" is rare, but necessary.
When I have "me time," I read a book or do a crossword puzzle. As a
result, my yard looks generally unkempt, like a teenager in need of
a haircut. However, my teenagers have well-trimmed hair.
I have not tested this theory, because I'm afraid that I will
once again find myself deficient. But, if my kids' hair is well
taken care of, does this mean that the gardeners' kids look like
hippies? If this is true, it would certainly excuse my complete lack
of landscaping skills. Who cares about your lawn as long as you are
raising your kids well? Right?
Knock on wood, my kids seem to be in pretty good shape. But my
house, inside and out, will never win any awards.
My hummingbird feeder has been empty for three months, but at
least my kids are well-fed. I have closets that hold clothes that
have not been worn in a decade, but my kids have never gone naked
(at least, not by any decision on my part).
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 There are cobwebs in every corner of my house, but I have
attended the tournaments, recitals, lessons and other events that
involved my kids. There is dust on every exposed surface of my
house, but my kids... well, they don't have any dust on their
exposed surfaces.
In modern times, even with all the technology that is supposed to
help us, busy moms and dads must prioritize. All the experts say you
must make time for your spouse, your kids and yourself (which may,
by happy coincidence, include planting perennials). You are not
going to have time for everything, and you can't beat yourself up
over it.
If you can somehow morph spouse-time into yardwork -- which, I
will add, is not conducive to romantic feelings -- that would be
great. If not, yardwork will have to wait.
If you can convince your kids that dusting and cobweb destruction
is way more exciting than a stupid old soccer game, than chances
are, you have some defective kids.
The point is, when you pass my house and see dandelions in the
lawn, Frisbees on the roof and hedges that have taken over my
birdbath ... don't judge me. My job description is "mommy."
[By LAURA SNYDER]
Laura Snyder is a nationally syndicated
columnist, author and speaker. You can reach her at
lsnyder@lauraonlife.com
or visit www.lauraonlife.com
for more info. |
