The Burger Realization: Decision Fatigue

“What would you like on your burger?” “Whatever you want me to have” was the reply to my lovely chef of a husband. By the end of each day, I cannot make another decision. I will eat whatever is on that burger and enjoy it because the energy I save from not thinking about it can go towards eating my food. I feel like a negotiator, counselor, teacher, coach, dentist, doctor, and taxi driver, which requires non-stop thinking and problem solving. From figuring out how much Clash of Clans is okay to play (and is he old enough to play?!), reminding my kids to wash their hands, contemplating the best method for dealing with meltdowns, trying to find a lost field trip form, teaching a child how to tie shoes, figuring out who is driving each kid where and when, and explaining why they should have more than a banana for dinner, I am done.

When I said “Oh, I want three kids”, I didn’t think about all that goes along with it – I just pictured myself having three lovely kids and continuing on with our life as it was. What was I thinking?! These kids have opinions and meltdowns and laundry and illnesses and, well, there is no break from parenting– its 24/7.  Add a foster child to the bunch and it's a wild ride! When the kids go to bed each night, it’s time to put the house back in order, prepare for another day, and try to connect with my husband. With kids in stages from toddler to preteen, there is so much observing, research, trial and error, and evaluating that goes on. Not only are our kids in different stages but they are all unique beings who experience it differently! As someone who loves to learn, I appreciate it, but it’s overwhelming. Oh, did I mention exhausting?

I feel like I am often operating in a fight or flight mode – just go, go, go – doing what needs to get done. It’s hard to think outside of what I’m currently immersed in and I feel like I reach the maximum capacity of what my brain can handle as soon as dinnertime approaches…don’t even get me started on bedtime! Each night there’s a quick prayer of “Please let everyone go to bed without a meltdown” before the five-minute warning. As a person who used to love control (okay, I still do), I never would have believed that I would utter the words “Whatever you want me to have” but the burger was perfect and I saved that last decision for what beverage I wanted after those lovely kids were fast asleep.

Love,
Louise

PS A perfect burger contains avocado, pickles, cheese, ketchup, relish, mustard and mayo. Oh, and is made by someone else.