Ready for Anything Even When Things Are Out of Control
Do you ever feel like you’re parenting from a crouched position? Sure, I literally crouch to talk to my kids at eye level, to pick up toys before someone trips , and to find that missing sock. But I also crouch mentally—constantly prepared to pounce on any problem that comes my way. Moms are at the ready. All. The. Time. We are ready to bear hug a child fearing a flu shot, whip up dinner in five minutes flat, sing the ABCs on repeat, and keep walking through the sleet when their toddler falls asleep in the stroller. Ready to unearth a Band-Aid from a forgotten purse pocket, change wet sheets at 2 a.m., pump if the baby won’t latch, and come up with a logical consequence for every new form of naughtiness. We relentlessly plan for the day, knowing full well that something will derail along the way. A playdate will turn sour. The milk will run out. The babysitter will get pink eye. The broccoli will (heaven forbid!) touch the mac and cheese on a dinner plate. A loving b...