There are some special skills that you pick up as you enter into motherhood, like running on less sleep or interrupted sleep, changing diapers under a minute, changing diapers in the dark while you are half asleep, and what I would like to focus on today, using one hand to do almost everything!
This is true when you have one child but becomes even more relevant when you have more than one. And trust me, having 4 has really helped me hone this skill!
So here is a list of things I have learned to do with one hand while holding a child in my other:
1) Simple cooking. Of course nothing that would put the child I'm holding in danger, I would rather let them cry then put them in danger. But sometimes you just need to check on your soup or sauce and give it a quick stir without causing a major melt down from your child.
2) Using the toilet. Sorry if this is TMI but sometimes you really got to go and your child just won't let you go.
3) Getting food in a buffet line. Mommy has got to eat and can't let that one child in your arm and the other 3 holding on to your clothes stop you!
4) Helping an older child use the potty. When kids got to go, they got to go!
5) Putting on make-up. It's not always easy but sometimes you just need to get a little creative.
6) Giving an older child a bath. Now this only happened once under special circumstances but I sure never imagined having to do this before becoming a mother.
7) Pushing a shopping cart. Steering a cart with just one hand is always fun, especially when you have a cart with those wobbly wheels with a mind of their own.
8) Holding 2 other children while going up the stairs. A mother really couldn't ask for a better work out!
Funny side note, while I was searching for a good image to use in this post, I came across an article about a mother that was holding a child in one arm and robbing an older woman with her other, that is just crazy!
What are some of the special skills you have learned since becoming a mother? Would love to hear from you!
Zi
Haha I love this. Who knew there were so many things you could do while holding a child! :)
ReplyDeletexo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee
So glad you loved the post Yi-chia! It was my attempt at a funny/light-hearted post =)
DeleteGreat skills, Mom! I can only imagine what it's like, because I only have one. But in a few months, I'll be able to relate as we have two then. Until then, I also like to make quick meals, because a toddler complaining he's hungry can be annoying.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you will be honing in on this skill pretty soon =) I am always look for recipes that are quick! Definitely no fun when a child is hungry!
DeleteThese are so true. Doing laundry or brushing my teeth while holding a baby or should I say toddler. Baby C rarely lets me hold her, but she hasn't been feeling her best this past week, so I've had to hold her non-stop while trying to do everything else.
ReplyDeleteGlad you could relate! Hope Toddler C feels better soon!
DeleteHaha--I learned how to type one-handed. :)
ReplyDeleteOh yes, that is a good skill =)
DeleteThe only time I get to use my bathroom alone is if my son is out of the house or asleep. Otherwise, he'll stop whatever he's doing to come find me. Thankfully, he does the same thing to my husband. He's fascinated by poop and LOVES flushing the toilet. =)
ReplyDeleteHaha...maybe little guy is ready to be potty trained =)
Delete