Parenting is a multi-faceted beast

Today, I unlocked a monumental milestone. I asked for the WiFi password from the staff at Sunshine Children Playground, shoved my two kids inside, and then proceeded to work on my sixth graders’ Spelling List.

For two hours.

Okay, it took me longer than expected. But I prefer working to parenting (yes, you read that right). I would rather work than hustle after my kids at an indoor playground.

I don’t think my current job comprises a huge part of my identity, but here’s the thing no one talks about:

Completing a work task gives me an adrenaline rush and feeds my dopamine-starved psyche. As opposed to parenting. It’s a black hole of energy-sapping responsibilities. Shudder.

At this point, the Universe decided to intervene and show me another point of view. It generated the impetus when I turned my back to purchase our lunch takeaway and realised that the daughter was wandering far away from us.

“Rina!” I yelled urgently.

She turned around, flashed a huge smile, and sprinted at top speed into the embrace of my ready arms.
She came with a wealth beyond measure. I have enough. My heart is full — apparently ready to take on the many thankless tasks associated with parenting.