Changing diapers, keeping children busy, organizing schedules and
daily routines, preparing food and cooking,
doing the shopping, being there for your partner, friends and family
and doing the housework: according to a study, being a mother is
as exhausting as two and a half full-time jobs.
Being a Mother: A Real Challenge!
The job profile of a mother is therefore demanding. In my case, it was even a bit more challenging: I had a colicky baby
Time and again, I had the feeling that my friends, acquaintances, my parents and even my husband had the impression that the time at home with our excessively crying daughter was like a vacation. They could not understand at all that a mother's everyday life often means "pure stress". But especially with small children or a baby, it is a challenge to keep the apartment in order and additionally organize all other important things. My husband, who worked during the day, had no idea what was happening at home in his absence. When I expressed my frustration, for example about not having even an hour for myself or everything being extremely exhausting and stressful for me, it met with complete lack of understanding and was dismissed with unappreciative answers, e.g.: "You're on parental leave. The only thing you have to do is play with your baby a little". That was very hurtful.
To put a stop to this, I sat down and documented my daily routine. My husband was quite amazed, and since then things have been going much better.
Of course, not every day is like this. In fact, it is often even significantly worse. And in my case, it's only about one child. How much harder do mothers with several children have it!
To all Mothers
Dear mothers, if things are going haywire for you: do everything – just don't worry or stress yourself out. And if the ceiling is falling on your head, just leave everything as it is and go for a walk with your baby. That relaxes and is good for both the mother and the child. Talk to your partner and ask him to take over the care of the child for 1–2 hours on the weekend or in the evening and thus relieve you a little. You also need time for yourself to recharge your strength and energy.
To all Others
As beautiful and fulfilling as being a mother is on the one hand – it certainly has nothing to do with a vacation! Think twice before you tell mothers that you would like to swap with them, especially if they have a colicky baby! That means a serious additional burden: a continuous noise level of around 120 dB. Nerves quickly become frayed, and comments like: "You have it good, you can lie in bed all day long and play with the baby" can lead to explosive outbursts of anger – and quite rightly so.
To all the mothers in this world: Day after day, you achieve the incredible.
