Jack ‘n Tracie

Remember when I said my kids were angels while we moved? Ha… they are making up for it over the last two days. I think now that they are settled in and comfortable in the new house, they are feeling more relaxed to be… obnoxious.

I thought to myself that it will be nice when Jack and I go on our annual trip to the coast for our anniversary next month. No kids. It will be a nice break. While thinking that, I was reminded of the people I’ve known in the past who always seemed to need breaks from their kids, like every day, or they would go nuts. I often wondered why people bothered to bring children into the world if they weren’t prepared to be a parent 24 hours a day, seven days a week?

I’m often amazed at people who are always finding excuses and ways to get away from their kids. The church we used to go to was like this. Everyone was always planning all these events that were not family oriented. One time a couple invited us to the movies then uninvited us when they found out we’d be bringing our kids. It was even a kid-friendly movie so I was floored.

Don’t get me wrong, though. I do think people need breaks from their kids. Even me. There was a time not too long ago where I was annoyed that it seemed ALL I was defined as was “Mom” or “Wife”. A break was definitely in order. Jack and I went out a few times without kids and I got a chance to be just “Tracie” for those times and I felt better. I think everyone needs that.

I’m wondering about are the people who seem to not be able to handle being a parent MOST of the time and are always trying to get away from their kids. Or they bitch and moan about their kids all the time. I hate that and don’t understand it. It boggles me especially when the children are very young. I look at my 11.5 year old and wonder where the time has gone? I’ve never once thought to myself, “I wish I had taken more breaks from him” …. But those people might think, “I wish I had spent more time with my children” when they move out of the house or go off to college.