If I give you nothing else, parents of the world, I give you major props. I think most people forget all the effort it takes to raise and teach a child. Especially when they see an exasperated parent and wonder why they don’t just buck up and keep it moving. Kids are tough. I’m only an uncle and an older brother and I feel those responsibilties are heavy enough. Parents have to put in a whole lot of work to mentally bring up a child and provide for them
Like I said, I give you major props.
Today was the start of the routine to picking up my nephew (isn’t he so adorable) from school for the rest of this month. He was excited to see me. I was excited because I don’t get to hang out with him as much as would like for several reasons, but mostly therapy keeps me pretty busy haha. We talked, yes my 4 year old nephew can hold a conversation very well, we played, found cat poop, and ate cookies over cartoons. My sister, his mom, came home and I got shown where his homework book and stuff was and they began his assignments.
Day 1 included no homework with his Uncle Coco.
I got to see, well rather reminded, about the non-recreational aspects of having a kid around. There was some frustration involving an arbitrary sheet with letters and tension was included in the mix. It quickly became a test of will. My sister, thankfully being a great mom, was able to hold it together and get my nephew on the right track to complete everything correctly. She seem relieved to have everything progressing forward. He was happy he was getting it right. I got to see a bit of cultivating a young mind.
It was beautiful, yet terrifying.
I quickly realized that I am not anywhere near ready for kids of my own. Not for the responsibility. Not equipped with the willpower. Not ready for the test of wits. Not prepared in the least. Granted I always said I’d wait until around 28-30 years of age before I start seriously thinking of kids. I’d be steady in my career, be settled with who I intended to marry if I didn’t already, and be living a happy life, but that is only 4 years from now. I’m not sure I’d be ready by then. I get easily frustrated and I walk away knowing I can do that. Yes, any parent can do that too, but a good parent sticks it out to the point of near mental breakdown. If I don’t feel like moving for a day, I sit my ass on my bed and play video games. With a kid, I’d have to be active every day to make sure he or she stayed active and got their exercise.
The non-loving based things I can’t handle yet.
I know I’d love a kid fully and care as much as past the point of human capability, but I feel like I would fail at the fundamental things. I’m mentally ready for the talks, the communication, the openness needed to build a great relationship. I even have my philosophy on how I would raise my kids. But I’m nervous I will never be ready to correctly build that little person into a fully functional adult. ..to be responsible for someone I can never walk away from. I feel like I would majorly fail at something basic as teaching the ABC’s or tying shoe laces.
And that’s why parents get all the accolades.
Even to some extent the ones who didn’t make it all the way through the battle because they got overwhelmed in their efforts. But with every adult you see, a parent taught them it’s bad to steal. A parent taught them it’s good to share and be polite. A parent made them go to school even if the reason was “because I said so”. A parent provided their meals every day so they stayed healthy. A parent busted their ass to make money to get them clothes and made sure they had a warm place to sleep. A parent sat at the table while they learned how to spell and say their name. A parent pushed their big ass head out of their body haha.
A parent who knew they couldn’t do those things gave them to a parent who could…
I truly consider that just as tough as a job as being able to raise the kid yourself. I’d imagine it’s hard to let go of someone you love so they could get that chance to have a better life than what you could provide for whatever reason.
Til next time. Stay frosty.
Boi Growing Up 