We’ve all heard that saying, right? “There’s no use crying over spilled milk!” It’s meant to be an encouragement, an optimistic way to approach little mishaps. Oh, how I love when I can apply that concept to my day to day life! There are times when I can let those little things go and move on with my day, and then there are the other times.
One such time was during the morning rush to get the kids ready and the baby fed. It wasn’t even 7am yet, I had already reheated my coffee three times, spilled it on myself, had spit up in my hair, and after countless messes my six year old accidentally knocked a cup of milk over. Not only did it spill onto the table and the crumb-filled floor, it somehow reached every chair leg in the room.
Maybe it was the sink full of dishes I couldn’t get to that already had me feeling irritated, or maybe it was the sleep deprivation and a sore back. Whatever it was, that spill just pushed me over the edge! I was seeing red and immediately became overwhelmed with a list in my mind of every other thing that needed to be cleaned that day.
As I started cleaning it up and my tears mixed with the milk and crumbs I remember thinking, “Oh my gosh, I’m literally crying over spilled milk! What is wrong with me?!” Being so upset over something so small made me feel like I had failed in some way.
I knew it was silly and there were more important things in the world to be upset about. I want my kids to grow up and be able to shrug off messes or unexpected obstacles to the best of their ability no matter how big or small. Surely if I have a breakdown about spills I will ruin them with my bad example, right?
Wrong. Guess what did happen? My six year old came running over to offer his napkin, my four year old gave me a hug and told me it would be ok through my sobs. Later that day we ended up laughing together about my early morning milk meltdown. I know that may not always be the outcome after we lose our cool, and having an optimistic approach to life is absolutely an important goal to have! It is a great example to set for our children. Another important thing to model for our kids is how to handle feeling overwhelmed and that it’s ok to be in that place sometimes. Getting angry at ourselves for losing it keeps us in such a negative cycle, and that is something I have really struggled with since becoming a mom!
Whether we’re sad, angry, or worried there are opportunities to show our kids how to get through it and how to look for joy in the chaos. If that spill is just too much for you to handle on top of everything else, it’s ok to cry about it! Your kids will be just fine, and you will be just fine.
Messes are constant, especially when our kids are small. That wasn’t the first time I reacted that way and I am sure it won’t be the last. All we can do is try harder the next time to let it go, and if we can’t then we need to give ourselves some grace in those moments and remember that we are human. We weren’t meant to hold it together all the time and we certainly don’t have the strength to do so on our own.
Through all of the grumpy mornings, unfinished chores, and mountains of crumbs, God is right there with you. Ask him to be your strength and encouragement even in the seemingly insignificant moments, not just the life-altering ones. Hang in there, mom. No matter what messes you’re facing today, you are a gift to your family and you are not alone!
Read more of Maria’s contributions to AllMomDoes here.
