We need a village

Kids are rough, man. I think that's why I don't particularly care for any children that aren't mine own.  It is just too much to deal with. They're all gross, and demanding, more times than not, they're loud. Really loud.  Don't get me wrong, I can enjoy other people's children, every baby is cute, precious, and just absolutely adorable...but it isn't the same. I don't really want to wipe their boogers or butt. I don't even want to wipe my own kids' boogers, it's gross. Don't get me started on poop. My son should win an award for the worst/nastiest poop-splosion of ALL time! I won't get into too many details, let's just say it involved the floor, dresser, tv, and his mouth. -shudder-

The pressure in raising these little disgusting little creatures is, at times, difficult to say the least. They must always be well behaved, sit nicely in public, use their manners, be intelligent, and it is probably a good idea to try to keep them clean also. (Clean toddler..LOL) As parents you are responsible for how your child ends up. I can only hope that our kids grow up with initiative, a good work ethic, intelligence, faith in something, love, confidence, and a sense of humor. How can you even think of all that stuff when your three year old only cares about keeping his grubby hands shoved down his pants?

Right now my main focus is just surviving through each day. No two are the same, especially with kids. If giving my son a lolly-pop at the beginning of our grocery shopping adventure will guarantee me a shopping trip with minimal public melt downs, I'M IN! If putting Nick JR on in the morning, in my room, will grant me an extra hour of sleep with our newborn baby, I'LL DO IT! If feeding him a PB&J  three days in a row is the only way I can get him to eat lunch, guess what, that's how it's gonna happen!! I'm surviving. But...by surviving the challenging day of being Mom, am I neglecting him, or making him suffer in the long run?

As far as I'm concerned, it really does take a village to raise a child. Kids need to be surrounded by all kinds of people and family members. They need a break from you just as much as you need it from them. Plus, it is good for them to be around different personality types, see other people's POV. Develop traditions and memories with people besides you.

As much as kids who do not share my DNA kinda make me cringe (just a little), I should work on creating a village for my children and others.We could all take turns having the kids for the weekend. Big, huge, loud, crazy family dinners, the kids could play while the adults drink talk. It sounds perfect.

Guess I have a lot of work to do if I'm gonna make this thing happen...