The I Need a Break Contest

I heard my friend tell me that she was failing as mom. She is one of the most selfless, loving mothers I've ever met. What was more disheartening than hearing this wonderful mother doubt herself, is that I told her the exact same thing about myself the week before.

We read countless articles about how to raise a good eater, how to raise a thankful kid, how to raise the happiest kid on the block. Then when our kids don't follow the plan, we feel like failures. We feel really bad confessing that somedays the "perks" of parenting (cute smiles and seeing milestones) aren't enough. Kids can be PIAs. They really are. I know mine are in a continuous battle to push me until I rip out my eyes everyday.

The only reason I don't run for the hills is that I have wonderful friends who laugh with me about the same frustrations. I have a friend who often says, "I think I will walk out to the mailbox, and just keep on walking." I know that kids getting on my last nerve is part of parenting, and it's okay to admit that somedays I don't want to be a stay at home mom anymore. But I don't quit, and I deserve an award for that.

Our job is hard. To make it easier, we need to stop trying to be mother of the year, and start admitting our big busts. I want to read about other moms' mistakes and frustrations and then laugh and move on. Thus the "I need a break" contest. Enter your story when you felt like quitting, but didn't. Tell me about the day you actually walked to the mailbox, but managed to come back.

If I could, I would give every mom I know an all expense trip to a spa in the Caribbean. However, I am a stay at home mom, not an heiress. However, I will take $10 from my grocery budget and buy a Starbucks card. If the website ever generates money, I will add it all to the pot. For now, I will pick the winner each month. I am assuming I may only get one a month, so the winner will be easy to pick. If I start getting many entries, I will think of a new method.

Rules:
1. No bragging, and I won't be fooled by the "my daughter is so smart that she really embarrassed me" stories.
2. Keep it short. We're parents and don't have all day to sit in front of a computer screen.
3. Dads can enter too.
4. Don't get mad if you don't win. Enter again!
5. One entry per month.
6. Entries due the first day of the month before (example: for April's contest, entries are due March1st)
7. Email themommarathon@yahoo.com with entries nd questions.