I'm Still Hungry

My daughter is an unstoppable force; unfortunately, this means her stomach is nothing short of a black hole. It doesn't matter if she had a full three-course dinner that Gordon Ramsay himself would cry over; she will always come back within the hour and ask for a snack. This holds true for most kids I know, honestly, whether those kids are picky about what goes in their mouths or not. Most parents know the exasperation of finally getting everyone fed, and cleaning up the mess, just to hear the patter of feet that stop just behind you.

"I'm hungry. Can I have a snack?" It is a question, but you know they are asking out of politeness. In their heads, they are already planning what they will ask for, because deep down, they know how easily they can twist you around their finger.

But you give the same reply that kids have heard throughout the ages: "But you just ate!"

Don't feel bad. Every mommy and daddy (and every other adult in your family) has given that same reply. They have also given it the exact tone of exasperation you do. Because it is frustrating, especially when you have heard those same seven words at least twice before in the day.

Look, I know it would be great to be like one of those Instagram mommies who has their kids' schedule down pat, where every snack looks like a smiley face and every dinner plate is completely cleaned; but it just is not realistic, especially for me. Nine times out of ten my "starving" child will leave her snacks laying around somewhere, completely forgotten (until hunger strikes again, and I have already thrown away the old snack because I know she won't eat it, specifically because it was old).

Only... How bad would it be really to just say no? To stand ground against the tiny tyrant? I love my daughter to death, but at the same time, I am always in a constant battle between coddling her and making her grow up with a good respect for Power of Authorities. Where is the in-between? And if you can't find the in-between, how do you stop the other adults from judging you in the middle of Wal-Mart when the cry goes up: "I'm hungry! I'm thirsty!"

I'll give you a clue. There is no way to stop those judgmental eyes. The best you can hope for is that you remembered to put the goods in your purse (or pockets) before you left the house, to defuse the tantrum before it goes nuclear. And if you didn't? Then all those people can get over themselves, because nine times out of ten, they dealt with the same at some point; they just forgot about it.

So, before you start laughing like a maniac, just take a breath and realize that no, it is not just your kid. You are not alone in the constant struggle of parenthood. You don't need to feel bad for the glass or three of wine (or something stronger) when the house is finally quiet and you can actually hear yourself think.

And maybe — just maybe — the next time you hear those words, you will take the time to find a snack you will both enjoy and cuddle up with your little one to watch a cheesy movie; because they grow faster than the blink of an eye, and they will only be this little once.