Two days ago, my wife and I did something that we never did before. It was a first for us and to be quite honest, it felt a bit strange for me.
Sorry to disappoint you but we are already married and have been to our honeymoon, so it isn’t what you were thinking (LOL). We attended our first PTA meeting as parents.
I wasn’t uncomfortable being around new people or being in a new environment. What I found strange was that my two-year-old daughter’s principal was my Infants A teacher. I still can’t come to grips with this, seriously. I am honoured to have my daughter under the care and leadership of my former teacher but it just feels strange; a good strange though, not a bad one.
Just over two weeks ago, we did something else for the first time and it was a lot of work: we went shopping for school clothes material, books and stationery. Travelling through Bridgetown with a toddler and a baby isn’t easy at all and despite there being three adults, the task was still challenging.
I must confess that I struggled through the day. I even fell asleep while holding my youngest in Abed’s. I won’t say that I am not cut out for it but I didn’t expect it to be so tiring. At the end of the day we felt as if we accomplished much but we were all totally exhausted.
Two Mondays ago, my wife and I once again did something we hadn’t done before: we had to get a toddler ready for school in the morning. The first two mornings we were late but as the week progressed we improved at getting out of the house on time.
My wife and I parent two children, a two-year-old and a six-month-old. We both have jobs, a vehicle and access to support networks through grandparents, godparents and other family members and friends. Although we have all of this, raising these two wonderful daughters is still very challenging and can be very stressful.
I think the two greatest things you receive as a parent are acceptance and an ability to love unconditionally. The two greatest things you lose and probably won’t get back for quite some time are personal time and sleep. Some personal time and a full night’s rest can at times feel like winning the lottery, seriously.
I have sat down with my wife on numerous occasions and asked her how single parents get this job done. It is two of us and we are so burnt out some nights. We both have jobs and we still see how providing for our daughters and running the home can be challenging.
Being a parent is a hard job and I know God didn’t intend for children to be raised by one person. Due to our own selfish desires, we have strayed very far from the initial plan of family and as a result both the parents and the children are disadvantaged, with the latter feeling the worst of it.
My heart is burdened for all single parents who are trying their best to provide for their children, as I know it isn’t an easy task. Financially, it doesn’t add up and I really don’t know how you do it. Some nights I can’t take any more of the whining and the crying, so my wife allows me to get some free time to settle myself.
Unfortunately, some of you don’t have that privilege and may snap and shout at your children out of frustration and stress. I pray that God blesses you with an appropriate spouse who would come into your life and love and support you and your children. I salute you for your hard work.
Grandparents are one of the greatest gifts to parents and children. My children’s grandparents are amazing, and I appreciate the help they provide. Some of you grandparents need to forgive and restore your relationships with your children. To all godparents, your job didn’t end at the baby’s christening or blessing – you too have a role to play; you were chosen for a reason.
• Corey Worrell is a former Commonwealth Youth ambassador.
