Stages of Saturday Morning Grief for Parents

Everyone looks forward to weekends.   We all need the slower schedule, the chance to relax and catch up on sleep. It's especially important for parents of young children that are exhausted and embattled from a long week!  I can't even type that with a straight face.

It never fails.  In the early morning hours you hear footsteps.  A door opening.  A toilet flushing.  A cry or laugh.  You roll over and open one eye to check the clock: and it's 5:15 a.m.  For the love of all that is good and holy: why!??!

I can remember getting up with my kids before Netflix existed and PBS programming had started for the day.  It was 8 hours until lunch and naptime.  How would we make it?  Plus, I had stayed up too late just for some peace and quiet.  Is it so wrong to want to eat a snack without sharing and watch something besides Dora?

In difficult times like this, it's important to not let shock overtake you.  Remember you are not alone.  Others have walked this difficult path before you.  Here is a framework to help you through.

Soon, you will come out on the other side.  It's a glorious new day when the kids sleep until you are annoyed that half the day is gone. There is light at the end of the tunnel.