BY NANCY SCHRINER
Middle Georgia parents tell us that though they love their children unconditionally, there are things they do that drives them crazy.
You couldn’t wait to have children. The biological clock was ticking. Then one day the joyous news was confirmed, the family was told, the friends were called, the internet community was informed: We are pregnant!
Then reality set in! The responsibility of parenthood and feelings of inadequacy threatened to overshadow long cherished dreams of having a happy home with happy children. Will we be good parents?
Tick . . . tick . . . tick. . . . The days grew long with anticipation. Sore backs, swollen ankles, difficulty sleeping, remember those days? Tick . . . tick . . . tick . . . The due date was approaching—maybe even passed by. Eventually and inevitably the day finally came when your bundle of joy arrived. Smooth sailing now, right?
Somewhere, sometime, the realization hit! Parenting is making me crazy! Frustration in parenting usually surfaces when children exhibit unlovable behaviors. The behavior gap between what is and what is desired increases anxiety making parents feel powerless or overwhelmed.
Toddler
RICHIE SOKINAS, Perry: We can have a house full of people, but my daughter wants me to be the only one to dress, feed, bathe, or put her to bed!
DEANNA MCELHENEY, Perry:
My two year old son cannot communicate verbally all of his needs to me yet.
Preschool
CARRIE GLEASON, Perry: How judgmental mothers in general are about the way other mothers choose to parent.
NATHAN HENDRICKS, Warner Robins: My daughter will hug her brother and sister one minute and the next minute hit them and take their toys!
WENDY PRICE, Macon: He’s like a little man in a 5 year old body! Being able to answer his bizarre off-the-wall interpretations and responding to them in an appropriate parenting manner, rather than rolling on the floor laughing!
Elementary
JANELL RICHARDS, Warner Robins: When the school won’t provide therapy for my child’s problem, but simply wants to accommodate the problem (special-needs child).
KIMBERLY ROBINSON, Kathleen: When I have to speak to my children more than once.
KERI WHITEHEAD, Lizella: Having enough time to devote to each child by being attentive to their individual needs, and the phases that they go through.
Also, having to have an individual parenting style for each child in the family because of their individual personalities.
Tweens
JENNIFER CLARK, Warner Robins: He’s stuck between being a child and an adult. He thinks he needs a cell phone and to be on Facebook but I still feel like I need to protect him from what’s out there.
MARK FLYNN, Warner Robins: His aversion to hygiene products: soap and shampoo! Also, his shoes are the same size as mine!
CINDI STANLEY, Warner Robins: Definitely the attitude—it’s hit or miss. My advice to other parents of tweens is: Good Luck!
Teens
ALMA AARON, Houston County: Knowing where my daughter is and who she’s with.
KIMBERLY ROBINSON, Kathleen: The ATTITUDE!
LAURA NICHOLS, Centerville: I feel that he never listens to me; he thinks he knows more than I do.
When these parents were asked, “What about parenting makes you crazy?” they all smiled before answering. Parents know that training a child to be a responsible adult is not easy. Despite the resistance they often encounter, each age has its own rewards and challenges. Ultimately, parents love their children and want the best for them at every stage of their development. They are even willing to be driven a little crazy for them!