I was quite excited to join in with this challenge thanks to Abigail at Mum in the moment mainly because I thought it would make a fun post but also because I thought it would be quite easy….
I was wrong. 26 letters in the alphabet! I really think we could manage with quite a few less. Especially Q, U, X, Y and bloody Z! I’d even happily forget the X on the end of my surname, but apparently just because I don’t want those letters is not an adequate reason to ditch them!
And then I read Abigail’s post (Here) and shes really funny! Now I feel immense pressure to show how funny I am, honestly I am, I’m a hoot! So the challenge just got harder.
I am just going for it…..
is for Awesome
I am probably biased, but I have awesome children. I mean the boy was always going to be, he has an awesome Mum of course. But I lucked out with 2 awesome daughters. And again probably biased but I am guessing this is because their Dad is so awesome.
Plus parenting is awesome! It is full of fun, and laughter and adventure and even the low points have a place in all the awesomeness.
is for Boys
Now when I was pregnant, everyone thought I was having a girl. So you can imagine my surprise when the sonographer told me it was a BOY! I didn’t know what I was going to do with a boy, I am a girl. I know how all the parts work, I know how it feels to be a girl. I don’t know anything about BOYS!
I wasn’t disappointed, but I felt a little out of my depth with it the thought of it. But oh I was so wrong. Having a boy, as a single parent (initially) was brilliant. He was a proper Mummy’s boy, so loving and kind. I just hope he always will be. Turns out having a boy is no where near as scary as I expected it to be. Even if they are a bit gross.
Is for Can I?
Can I have a biscuit? Can I have pudding? (see The last point on this post) Can I buy some V-Bucks? Can I swear? Can I? Can I? Can I?
Sometimes it feels like they are always asking for something, from the necessary to the bizzare, Can I is asked around 20 billion times a day!
is for drama
This seems to have been a recent development. But as I sit here typing I remember all the dramatic events that have come before the pre-teen angst. There was one time when F was about 3. He’d killed a ladybird. It was no accident. I said ‘Oh look a ladybird’ He said ‘Oh yeah’ STAMP! And then cried for 3 hours straight because the ladybird was dead. Well durr, you stamped on it!
Or the time he threw himself on the floor in the shopping centre at 8am, still attached to his little lead/backpack thing. A lady walked past me and gave me that knowing look. All good, normal tantrum/drama which ended quicker than ladybird gate. The same lady then passed us at 5.30pm on the way home and we were in the same dramatic pose on the floor. I am pretty sure she assumed we’d been there all day.
But now life is filled with teeny drama’s, so and so said this to me at school, fortnite won’t load, my ipad is dead, and it is all hugely dramatic and real end of the world stuff!
is for expensive
Be it the fact they insist on growing constantly meaning a new wardrobe is needed regularly or the extra curricular activities they partake in which break the bank. Then there’s the entertainment expense, because soft play/cinema/local farm are not a cheap day out. And pocket money. Who knew paying them to do anything could be so costly to the pocket? And the list goes on, school shoes, football boots, computer games, even hair bobbles cost a fortune when they get lost or sucked up the hoover on such a regular basis.
And as the boy is planning on university, I see no end to the expense anytime soon!
is for Food
This ties in with Can I, Because it more often that not is followed up by some request for food. As if you never actually feed them! Like ever! Because there is always a need for breakfast, second breakfast, mid-morning snack, Lunch, well you get the point.
Thankfully we don’t have fussy eaters, they will literally eat anything and preferably all the time.
is for Girls
Once I’d got my head around the fact that I was not having a girl, I was cool. In fact I was happy. Given the fact that Mum described me as a nightmare leading up to the teenage years, I thought I’d had a lucky escape.
Now as a step-mum to 2 girls, I again feel a bit out of my depth at times. It would seem I am pretty useless at doing their hair. I have never been very good with my own so it should not really have come as a surprise.
And they do behave and react to things in a completely different way to boys. And I am sure that as they grow older the differences will seem even greater.
But it is lovely to have the best of both worlds.
is for Hurry up
Surely I am not alone here? I feel like I am constantly wishing them to hurry up. It’s easy to forget they are still little when you are racing to get something done or go out. But they work to their own time, where actual time is irrelevant.
I think I am mainly jealous of this simplistic approach to life, where there is no need to rush. So what if it takes 20 minutes to put their shoes on, they’ve done it, by themselves and they still got to where ever it was they were heading. Yes bedtime might take an hour but as an adult you’ve nailed that in 2 minutes (ahhhh bed!) but they have no need to rush. The outcome is the same and if they’ve managed to squeeze a bit of extra time in to the day with their parents and they still made it to bed, it really doesn’t matter to them.
Maybe I need to hurry less….?
is for Isolated
Being a parent, especially at the very beginning can be a little isolating at times. And thanks to social media, we see all our childfree pals having a good old time and it feels like we are all alone in this bubble of motherhood. I wouldn’t swap it for the world and I was lucky to have lots of family and friends around to stop the isolation but there are times, especially when on maternity leave, that it is easy to feel quite alone.
I promise though, it is mostly not the case and I can guarantee you that once they start school and you are doing school runs, surrounded by other isolated parents, you’ll be glad to make a run for it and head home to the peace and quiet!
is for Jokers
These funny little people are just that, funny. But thanks to the endless you-tube videos they watch, they are now little pranksters as well. Great! And is there anything more painful than a child trying to re-tell a joke??? Especially anything more than ‘Why did the chicken cross the road?’
is for Kisses
Is there anything cuter than a child’s kiss? From those very early baby kisses to the brief and totally unexpected pre-teen/teenager kisses.
Its their simple way of saying ‘I love you’ and although they are few and far between now, I feel this makes them even more special.
Plus they are the ultimate in my bid to embarrass at all times!
is for Love
As if you didn’t see this one coming. But I could not leave out the most wonderful part of parenting.
This teeny tiny baby that you have loved from the minute you first saw them at the 12 week scan is suddenly here and the rush of love you feel for them is enough to knock you off your feet, well if you’re lucky enough to be able to feel your feet after giving birth, then you might well be knocked over by it.
And it doesn’t end there, every day the love you feel grows a little bit more, and you sometimes feel as if you could actually burst. Even on the days where you could gladly get a refund on them, they will still do one thing that will give you that rush of love (And you’ll usually forgive all they may have done to warrant the refund!)
Then there’s the love they show you, and that is a feeling like no other. Pure, unending love.
is for Mum, Mum, Mum
Because that word simply cannot be said just once. Its like they think you don’t hear them the first time, as if the first Mum is just for their benefit, the next one is to actually get your attention and the 3rd one is because you didn’t respond immediately, and by immediately, what I really mean is you had no preempted the request that warranted Mum, Mum, MUM.
There is no real solution to this problem, although ear plugs may help a little. Although then they might come and poke you in the face or raise the volume to deafening to render the ear plugs bloody useless.
is for NO
No don’t do that, no you can’t have ??, no cat’s don’t use a toilet, no the people in this film do not live inside the TV. Some days feel like a constant stream of no’s on the part of the parent.
Other days it feels like all you hear is no. No I will not put my shoes on, no I don’t want to do my homework, bedtime.. No, bathtime …No, Do you want Pizza…No, come on it’s time to go home..No.
This word is so versatile and certainly overused on both sides. I suppose we say it so much that it is inevitable that we will hear it back more than we would like. I am all about freedom of choice (and speech it would seem) but a variation on their choice of word would make a welcome change.
is for OH MY GOD!
And that’s the polite words you mutter to yourself roughly 100 times a day, sometimes I even forget to say it under my breath. It just feels so good when someone is driving you to distraction or asking a million times for something they can easily get themselves or listening to them shouting at a computer screen. Try it, honestly, you’ll feel so much better! Although I’ll be honest and say FFS definitely muttered quietly works even better, but F is already covered!
is for Privates
I’d of gone for penis because I really thought it was a boy thing, but ya know what? It aint! They are all obsessed with their privates.
Part of me gets it, I think its great they can use the correct terms as taught at school now, and I want them to be able to talk to me about those areas if the worse were to happen BUT seriously, get your hands away from it, stop talking about it SO much and they really aren’t that funny!
Farts are funny, Penises and Vaginas are not so funny!
Is for Queen
Because actually, despite the hard work and ya know housework and shit, I am actually the Queen in our home
I have a fully supportive King behind me and a wonderful Prince and 2 princesses to care for. It feels like an honor to hold such a title.
And who cares if the world was not eagerly awaiting my Princes arrival, I was and that’s all that matters.
is for Rewarding
Out of all the other titles I’ve had, being called Mum is the most rewarding one. The days are busy and full on but the special moments are there in every day and it makes all those difficult times so worth while.
All I hope is that their childhood is as rewarding as it has been for me.
is for shit
Yes, I hate to break it to you but children come with a huge amount of shit! Mainly unnecessary stuff that you’re told before they even arrive that you need. And that continues once they are here.
There is all the stuff they convince you they need each birthday and Christmas, but then there is all the other shit they pick up along the way.
Rocks, feathers, leaves, dead flowers, that unidentifiable goo in their trouser pocket, all of it is utter rubbish to us, but to them it is treasure and really really important that you NEVER throw it away! I have been known to smuggle said crap out like I’m some sort of drug lord!
is for Telling off
Now no one really likes having to tell children off, but sometimes needs must. I am not really a shouter, mainly because I feel like I am not great at it. If I try, I get a bit screamy and no one wants screaming. If I try to be firm, I tend to rip the lining of my throat. There is just no in between and in reality no one responds, except maybe a little giggle. And no one wants to be laughed at.
is for unidentified
Just what is that mark on their school jumper? What on earth is that smell? And oh my god I can’t bring myself to look at whatever it is I’ve just stepped in.
Yep having children can sometimes be gross!
is for Violin
Ok so this one might not be a popular view, and in fact it is not even about Violins, but in fact this represents extra curricular activities.
I am not a fan, stick with me a minute. I like the idea of them and how valuable they are for children in making friends, developing new skills and showing commitment to their interests.
But for me, in reality it can be hugely expensive, especially if they have multiple activities, it can tie up valuable family time and I’d much rather spend time with my children than just ferry them from one place to another for an hour at a time. Plus I find that these groups can be quite difficult to infiltrate as a newbie parent and fall in the cliquey category. Plus competitive! I am all for personal development but when it’s becoming competitive to the point I have witnessed is just unpleasant to see.
is for Wanderlust
What is more wonderful that showing your children wonderful places, giving them new experiences and seeing the world? Ok we may have not traveled very much but we’ve explored some wonderful places in the UK and they are still young enough to enjoy being with us.
I hope that once they are older they’ll still be keen to travel with us like I was with my Parents.
is for Xhausting
See desperate measures needed for these delightful letters. Parenting is (e)xhausting. Some days are so full on that you’re not so worried about when their bedtime is but more interested in the time you can justifiably take yourself to bed.
But then you want some much needed adult time, TV on, cuddle on the sofa and fight sleep until at least 10pm. Surely that is an acceptable bed time for an e)xhausted adult who is already counting down the hours until they have to do it all over again.
And yes it is certainly worth every minute but it would be nice to feel a little less tired from time to time.
is for Y???
Shhhh its not cheating!
This question can be asked a million times a day, mainly around the 3-5 year mark in my experience. It is relentless and every answer you offer is greeted by why? There are only so many ways you can deliver an answer before you lose the will to live.
And I love that they are so inquisitive and want to know everything, its how they learn after all but why why why!!??
Thank god now, if they start with the Why, I can direct them to google and they get distracted enough to forget why they were asking why in the first place!
is for Zoo
Because let’s be honest living with children is sometimes much like living in a Zoo!!
I would add a is for argument #thatfridaylinky@_arendennis
Oh you’re so right! Especially now there is 3 of them in our house!
Loved reading about your reaction to being told it was a boy! If / when I ever have kids, I actually really want 2 boys!
Jenny
http://www.jennyinneverland.com
Boys are ace! I love my stepdaughters but they are so different to boys. They are scrappy, energetic and gross but they are so loyal and loving 🥰
The ladybird story made me laugh so much! I’m not a parent but I’m the oldest cousin and some of these reminded me of my cousins when they were little. My boyfriend’s younger brother is always saying can I have v-bucks and once cried because he accidentally bought the wrong skin…small things are the end of the world when you’re young!
I am so glad you were honest about the isolation that can come from being a parent, I see some of my friends struggle with feeling guilty over missing their social lives and think honesty like this is such a powerful reminder that’s a normal way to feel.
It’s so tough, I remember all too well ‘mourning’ my old life and feeling like the worlds worst parent for feeling like that x x
Well, you’re not.
When it comes to telling off my children I also try not to yell at them, but sometimes there is just no other way for them to listen to me. It definitely takes a TON of patience. I really loved this post
Thank you so much, it was great fun to write. And you’re so right, sometimes you just have to make yourself heard x
Exhausting and expensive but worth it:) I like the A to Z idea
It was great fun, almost as much as parenting! 😊
What a creative article! I love how you incorporate the alphabet into parenting. This could be a book.
Thank you x
Some of these gave me a laugh. I don’t know how parents do it, you are all rockstars.
Parenting is hard. Parenting is messy. Parenting is rewarding. The goal is to have more of the rewarding days + less of the hard + messy days 🙂
I try to find the rewarding in them all but it depends just how messy it is 😂😂
fun list! in our house with 3 boys, V is for video games! being a parent is tough, and finding balance between all these things is even tougher.
Oh yes! I’m currently hiding from my video playing boy with the girls watching a film. They get so involved in the games they play! Finding a balance is definitely tough x
I love a good a-Z abd you nailed it with the whole parenting process lol X #thatfridaylinky
Thank you!
I have to admit that I scrolled all the way down to see what you wrote for XYZ ahahaha What a fun list! I have to say that my son did that with ants. He didn’t cry though. He looked me straight in the eyes and said, “wee bug dead mam” A few months afterwards, we saw a ladybird and you bet, I took preventive measure before he can stomp on it too lol
-Jade
Kids are hilarious! XZY still give me shivers now 😂😂
I love this idea! X Y and Z made me giggle though – they’re hard letters to work with!
Oh so hard! But a lot of fun x
What a great post! There are so many I can relate to here Especially the ‘No’ one!!
We have a child free weekend and I’m already feeling a serious No withdrawal 😂😂
Well done for coming up with all of these, great fun!!
Thank you x
E is DEFINITELY for Expensive… wow children cost the earth don’t they! And it gets worse as they get older. My 12 year old has been invited on two school trips next summer – a week in Italy on a music visit (£740) and a PGL trip away in the Ardeche, France for £700 … sure, let me grab my purse!!
Yeah where did I leave those gold bars!?!
It’s absolute madness 😫
Congrats on coming up with something for every letter, very creative. All of this so relevant!
I hate shouting too but sometimes you have to, especially when the children just won’t listen.
What a lovely idea for a post. I’d like to do this about my parenting journey now and then again in 5 years time to see how things have changed for us,
Oh that would be such a lovely idea x
Oh I love this idea for blog post. I have to admit I was nodding my way through this. Yep, the zoo reference is to a tee.
😂😂😂 I’ve read a few as well, it’s amazing how many different words there are! But I was in agreement with 99% of them 😂😂
Great idea for a post. Loved it. Expect more from you.
I have just started blogging. Published my first post last week.
It would be great if you could have a look and give me your faadback
https://backyardbees.home.blog/2019/06/01/7-great-lessons-schools-wont-teach-your-kids/
Have popped over and left a comment x
You did a great job!!! Now I feel like I need to try this out for a future post!
You should definitely have a go x
Hmmm…😉
OMG well done. I think I’d get stuck part way. Children can be expensive, I should know, I have 3!
Great words here and love the honesty. It’s not easy but you are heading the right way. You and your boy sound your so close and doing well
Thank you 😊
Great post, you really came up with some different answers. Not sure I could have done this.
Thank you, it was great fun x
This is great! I don’t think I’d manage something for every letter of the alphabet
It was hard work, My son was particularly helpful with it!
Haha what a fab read. This is great and many parents will love this for sure xx
Thank you x
Loving this so much, a very realistic version of what life as a parent is like
Full on but fun I like to think x
This is a great post, I enjoyed reading about each letter and you’re a hoot for sure, thanks for being honest.
Thank you Miranda x
Can I comment? Lol! I can totally relate.
😂😂😂
This looks hard, but you did and I like it!
Parenting is so rewarding, but also challenging and bizarre at times!!
This is the best. I understand completely, having a girl and a boy! Little buggers, aren’t they awesome. You mad me laugh this morning and now I am inspired.