I Could Be a Better Mother
by Andrea Rennick

See, I could be a better mother, the kind of mother I want to be.

I could hang off their every word. Every word about Brittany and Justin, about Barbie and dinosaurs, and who holds the world’s record for the longest fingernails.

I could be enthusiastic about everything they do — every art project, every experiment.

I would happily wipe up paint from the kitchen floor, table, chairs, walls and windows, not saying a word.

I would gladly wipe that gunk off the ceiling. I wouldn’t say a word about the latest game involving a dozen Barbies, two dressers spaced a room apart, and lots of string.

I would never make them do chores or homework.

I would let them use the computer whenever they wanted. I wouldn’t stand over them, reading the email they receive to make sure the sender isn’t a 44-year-old married man from Pittsburgh. I would let them safely browse all sorts of Internet sites without comment and without pushing them out of the way saying, “Oooo, click over here! That looks cool!”

I would let them play all sorts of computer games, never once insisting it was my turn, or never even thinking about beating their high score.

And speaking of computers, I would never, ever write email or journal entries or post comments or just plain read while the children fought behind me, or while the baby was pulling at my waist as I ignored her whines.

I’d never do that.

I’d always cook a well-balanced meal. I‘d never serve leftovers or preformed meat products. I would make all the baked goods from scratch, not scrounge the bargain bins for 50% off cookies and muffins. I would never serve holiday cakes after the holiday, or goods that expired yesterday.

I could speak loving, encouraging words to them all the time. I wouldn’t scream, yell, insult or cajole, even in jest. I’d never have to apologize for saying something like, if I were your age I wouldn’t want to be your friend either, if you’re going to be that mopey.

I wouldn’t do that, no not me.

I would feed the baby all organic foods. Sugar would never pass her lips. She wouldn’t know what the TV remote is used for. She would never even cry, because I’d hold her every second of the day, tending to her every whim. I would know exactly what she wanted at all times.

She would have a regular nap and never fall asleep at her high chair or in her foam Elmo seat. I would nurse her until she is really done, even if it takes all night, and not unlatch her as soon as I can get away with it, so I can get up and watch TV before coming back to bed.

I would know what I’m having for supper the day before, and not look in the cupboards at 4:59.

I would never hog the popcorn bowl at the movies.

I would get up before the kids and have a hot breakfast waiting for them. I would never stumble out of bed after they did, wander into the kitchen all bleary-eyed and warn them to leave me alone until I’ve done my tea and email reading.

I would never read a book, just for myself. I would never learn how to make a web page.

I would never go to a girl’s night out. I would never go shopping without them and I’d always pay them allowance on time. I would never read the newspaper and have deep discussions with anyone about world events. I wouldn’t have a cause of the moment because I’d be too wrapped up in my kids.

See, I could be a better mother. I could do all those things.

But I won’t because then I wouldn’t be me.

Andrea Rennick is a home schooling mom of four children, ranging in age from 2 to 15. A sense of humour is a big part of dealing with the ins and outs of her day. She can also be found at her website, www.atypicalife.net. Reach her at andrea@atypicalife.net