Since the last time I wrote about 10 crazy things every mother has done, I realised there are even more moments that every mother experiences. I’m guilty of most of them. Here we go:
1. Dreading wake-up time. Sometimes I wish my girls would sleep for a loooooong time. When they finally wake up, my first thought is, “it begins!”
2. Switching instantly from yelling to a polite phone voice. You know the scene: you’re frustrated and speaking loudly to the kids, then the phone rings. In a heartbeat the loud voice becomes warm and pleasant for whoever’s on the other end: “Hello, Oli…”
3. Trying to nap with the kids around. Sometimes you just need a little extra sleep. When I try, my kids — especially my toddler — do everything to wake me: pulling my hair, climbing on me, poking and pushing with tiny feet. Eventually I give up and surrender to the chaos.
4. Falling asleep in odd places. On the couch, at the kitchen table, anywhere that offers a few spare minutes of rest. I used to be annoyed when my mum slept on the couch; now I completely understand why.
5. Acting like a child to entertain your children. To keep the peace or win them over, you’ll join in and be silly. I’ve acted out stories, laughed at jokes that aren’t funny, and played along with the simple games. My six-year-old expects me to laugh at her “jokes” — even when “Simon says sweep the floor” barely counts as comedy.
6. Avoiding outings because they’re a production. Going out with three kids feels like planning a small expedition: dressing everyone, packing snacks, hunting for matching socks, being ready for diaper changes. If it’s not essential, sometimes staying home feels easier than the whole logistical operation.
7. Forcing the kids to stand still for a photo. Why do kids always dash away the moment you lift the camera? We tried to get a family picture one Easter Sunday and my toddler kept escaping the frame. I was juggling her while my other daughters were “busy,” so we didn’t end up with a perfect group shot — but we tried.
8. Escaping from the kids for a breather. Sometimes you need to get away, even briefly. I literally ran up the stairs and locked myself in their bedroom once, because my toddler was all over me — climbing, pulling and demanding constant attention. A short break can feel like survival.
9. Refusing to let the kids use a public restroom because it’s inconvenient. Guilty as charged. Taking three children into a public bathroom is stressful, so I’ll often try to wait until we get home. No matter how carefully I plan, they seem to need the restroom the moment we step into a store.
10. Not celebrating TGIF. “Thank God It’s Friday” doesn’t quite apply when you’re a parent; the week blends together and weekends bring their own parental tasks.
Despite all the chaos and moments of exhaustion, I absolutely love being a mother. My favourite times are simple: sitting down to a meal with my girls, sharing stories, and laughing together. Happy Mother’s Day week to all moms and moms-to-be — may you cherish the small moments and the big ones, too.
Any other crazy things mothers do? Feel free to share below!