Here are some of my recent Observations of parenting:

• Hard
• Often unrewarding
• Stressful
• Messy
• Chaotic
• Demanding
• Frustrating

I hate to be a Debbie Downer, but I'm taxed from trying to do nice things for them and keeping things together, and they (of course) don't appreciate anything. All they want to do is watch TV, play video games and leave mini hurricanes of mess everywhere. That and talking back/disrespecting me.

I'm thinking I'm a bad mom that doesn't know how to set boundaries or command respect. I need counseling or a support group. They have been very rough on me and I'm not feeling the joy. I question whether all kids are like this or if mine are just especially challenging. Is it genetics? Is it my fault? Is it a stage? Is it because I have too many kids? Am I being being too much of a perfectionist? Am I just depressed? 

One of my goals, now that our health insurance is set up again, is to get dialed in with a counselor. I know of an art therapy studio locally that has counselors/therapists. Might be hooky, but might be legit. Might be better than a stale office setting of psychoanalysis.

I'm watching a funny movie on Netflix right now and it's making me feel better - People, Places, Things. The kids are all doing their own things in front of screens. So wholesome and interactive - like a Norman Rockwell painting. Cheers!