I'm not coping

Not once, twice, or even a half dozen times this week, I have been asked, 'Bet, you can't wait for them to go back to school.' And from those who have children, 'Only X more days until they go back to school. It is better than Christmas!!!!'

Thanks, your comment is so thoughtful, said right in front of my children. 

I hope you don't say that to your own children.

But you do, don't you?

Ouch.

And when my children inform you that they do their school work at home, you frown and say, 'I don't know how you cope.'

That's because I'm not coping.

There is nothing to cope with.

Children, contrary to everything our society projects, are not chores. 

They are not problems which must simply be endured. 

They are not a burden. 

They are a gift. An amazing blessing, to be given the opportunity to be present at the start of someone's journey, to be their friend, guide and protector through their most wobbly steps. To build a relationship with someone who comes in to the world, looking to build a relationship with you.

I am told, 'You really should send them to school. You need a break. Every parent needs time away from their children.'

You know what, I agree, everyone needs a little space. (Perhaps that is another post.) 

Yet, I disagree. I do not believe simply because a person is younger than I am, a child as it is defined in our society, that they must be institutionalised. For my benefit? That is quite the statement to give our children. 

Just pause and imagine if the person you trusted most in your life, the person you felt you need and rely on most, told you in no small way, that they couldn't wait to be rid of you. 

Isn't that everyone's worst fear.

And it's coming, getting old is a bitch.

But hey, they are just your children, right?

Those people you spend the most time with, they are the ones who become your most treasured friends.

My children are not just small people for whom I am responsible. 

They are my best friends and I could not have asked for more wonderful people with whom to travel this journey with. 

And I would like to point out that just because someone is younger than you are, does not make them stupid. If you would not speak to your work colleague like that, damn well don't say it to your child.