Education is a top priority in our home, as it is for many. My husband and I are both educators. We are the type of parents that attend EVERY school event that our children are involved in. That’s why it was so shocking when I said no to attending the back-to-school open house.
Typically, I would never miss an event like this. I understand the importance and the commitment that goes into the planning. BUT…there were several obstacles that were making this particular time difficult. My husband was going to be out of town. I’d have to find a sitter because kids are not allowed to this event. I’d have to drop both girls off at home and leave again to go back to school. I wouldn’t get home until after 8 which would mean a late dinner and bedtime for the girls.
And honestly, I’m simply just exhausted.
The more I thought about it the more I realized that I had the mom- AND teacher-guilt brewing on my conscience. Finally I said to myself…ENOUGH!
Why do we put so much blame on ourselves? We shouldn’t feel guilty for saying no.
Heck, if my toddler can use that word on constant repeat then I think I can use it from time to time.
My brother once told me to stop making excuses and to just say no to things that I didn’t want to do or attend. To stop feeling like I needed to give a reason. To feel comfortable and confident in saying no because that’s my choice. No more guilt, no more reasons, just…no. Perhaps to others it’s being lazy, but to me it’s freeing.
So let’s stop feeling guilty and stop trying to impress others. Parenting is hard enough as it is.
Cheers to a year of letting go of worries and saying “no” more.
