The toddler years are tough, but you tell yourself you can make it because it’s just a few years. Can you imagine if they never ended? Many special needs parents live with that reality for many years and some forever.
That is kinda my life. Although my boys will be 12 in two months, they still require 24/7 care. I can’t go in the bathroom with the door shut for any extended period of time because I have to be on high alert. I’m listening for water running or doors opening. I can only fully relax if I’m sitting on the couch looking over at them like shown in this picture.
I’m very fortunate that once they go to bed, they do generally stay there. I don’t have to lock them in anymore. (Yes, I used to lock them in at night. Don’t judge unless you’ve lived my life and feared for their safety.) Fortunately, they’ve mostly outgrown the wandering at night.
Once they go to bed, I’m exhausted. Truly exhausted. I tend to soak in a hot bath and fall in to bed pretty early because Jake still gets up around 5am every day. He hasn’t gotten the concept of “weekends” yet. Maybe one day, but it won’t be anytime soon.
Tomorrow, I’ll try to remember to share our unpleasant adventure at Red Robin today.
(originally posted 11/10/2018)
