Motherhood makes you a control freak

Motherhood makes you a control freak, but you come by it honestly. No matter how you come into this job, once those children are born you are instantly responsible for everything about them. It’s up to you to make sure the right stuff is going into them and coming out of them. In the beginning, when they are very new, you obsess over every cry. What does it mean? What do they need? What do I need to do for them? Does she feel warm? Do I need to call the doctor? Oh, let’s just go to the doctor. Grab the diaper bag (is it stocked?) Get a bottle ready. Don’t forget the binky. Then they get older and can tell you what’s troubling them. They tell you all day long. You figure out how to manage by hiding the treats they’ll whine for if they see. You make certain not to mention the tentative play date you have planned to avoid a scene if it has to be canceled. You threaten to withhold a toy if they refuse to share. You attempt to choreograph your way through your chaos and almost manage until something or someone upends it – as they usually will. Then you holler, “They weren’t supposed to see those treats until later!” or “You can’t take them out without a diaper bag!” or “Don’t tell them we’re going to the park until we’re on our way there!” And then everyone gives you a funny look and calls you a “control freak.” But, when your kid heads off to the bus only to turn and find you running after him with the lunch he forgot or when your daughter discovers you remembered to pack her special blanket, they’re rather glad you’re that much in control.