Oh man, this reminded me of when my kid was 3 or so and he said that Daddy works to make money. Apparently I just work for fun?? He also asked me once if I had a secret child at work and acted suspicious when I said no (why would I go to work if there wasn’t another child I was taking care of there??)
Oof - sounds like time to sit down and have a good conversation about the patriarchy. (Kidding. A little. ) when kids have these ideas at three years old for God’s sake, you have to wonder exactly where they got them.
At least it’s reassuring to know that kids get all kinds of things wrong.
Always a good reminder! I remember those feelings when kids are little and everything seems fleeting. It’s like a constant state of missing out or mourning. I also think that time period around 2011 was especially hard for parents. There was widespread pressure to work longer hours, and just to feel lucky to have a job — meaning: don’t complain or ask for anything.
The most surprising thing to me now that I have grown kids is just how little they even remember!
I think that's a great point about 2011 or so -- things were pretty rotten and the economy was still rebounding from W. Although I'm seeing it again now in moms with young kids, hearing the same stories, the same grievances, the same fears as we had. So either it's cyclical with the economy -- or moms of young kids STILL need a lot more support of all kinds. Sigh.
But yes, it's true that kids don't ever remember what we think they'll remember. For better or for worse.
100% agree on that — parents need more support. And there are new struggles too, like inflation! It’s good to have more openness in talking about these issues, but I agree: we need more than talk.
as a parent to 3 whom I have half the time this is comforting. thank you. sending you love
Hang in there, Kate. Make great memories when you do have them; even if you're just watching dumb TV. (That's my kids' favorite, TBH) xo
Oh man, this reminded me of when my kid was 3 or so and he said that Daddy works to make money. Apparently I just work for fun?? He also asked me once if I had a secret child at work and acted suspicious when I said no (why would I go to work if there wasn’t another child I was taking care of there??)
Oof - sounds like time to sit down and have a good conversation about the patriarchy. (Kidding. A little. ) when kids have these ideas at three years old for God’s sake, you have to wonder exactly where they got them.
At least it’s reassuring to know that kids get all kinds of things wrong.
Always a good reminder! I remember those feelings when kids are little and everything seems fleeting. It’s like a constant state of missing out or mourning. I also think that time period around 2011 was especially hard for parents. There was widespread pressure to work longer hours, and just to feel lucky to have a job — meaning: don’t complain or ask for anything.
The most surprising thing to me now that I have grown kids is just how little they even remember!
I think that's a great point about 2011 or so -- things were pretty rotten and the economy was still rebounding from W. Although I'm seeing it again now in moms with young kids, hearing the same stories, the same grievances, the same fears as we had. So either it's cyclical with the economy -- or moms of young kids STILL need a lot more support of all kinds. Sigh.
But yes, it's true that kids don't ever remember what we think they'll remember. For better or for worse.
100% agree on that — parents need more support. And there are new struggles too, like inflation! It’s good to have more openness in talking about these issues, but I agree: we need more than talk.