I just finished reading this article and nearly wept at the author's suggestion that moms learn to hold back their judgement, especially when we're feeling frustrated or overwhelmed.

If this morning is any indication of what the day was going to be like, then I'd prefer to be allowed to go back to bed now, please.

I hate feeling like this - as if every single nerve in my body was on fire and rapidly dissolving whatever reserves remained - to the point where the simplest parenting issues appear arduous and complex. 

All I want, quite frankly, is to be left alone.

"Momma?"

My 13-year-old barely spoke above a whisper, but I jumped out of my skin and slammed my hand against the desk.  Nevertheless, it hurt, and I answered her in a rather rough tone.  Her frown deepened as the tears quickly formed, and began to spill over her deep brown eyes, as she let her forehead drop onto my chest.

Now, feeling very guilty - as well as, pathetic - I apologized and asked if she was feeling okay.

"Yeah, it's hard being a girl...sometimes...and I just need a hug."

I hugged her back and allowed a smile to escape.

"You and me both, kid!"

Clearly, there is that chance, I may never...ever...get a grip on this whole mommy gig - no need for judgement, here -  but I'm hanging onto the fact that my children don't seem to care about it much, either.

"Thanks, can I go back to bed, now?"

Uh, no.

"But, you can take one of these and you'd better hurry up, or you'll be late for school."

I would always be their mom, good or bad, and with continued understanding - not to mention, a constant supply of this pain relief medication - harmony, with any luck, could at least be achieved.

I passed on this new revelation to my husband.

"Well, think about it. You're into your cycle...the two oldest girls are hitting puberty...you know what they say about females living together?"

My face confirmed that I did not.

"How they synchronize their bodies and it's just a simple matter of the beta females of the house following the alpha female's cycle."

Hmmm...

Well, using his man's logic, then it's feasible to think that one day, my husband could quite possibly have three pre-menstrual betas, and one menopausal alpha female, living under the same roof and the tiny giggle in my throat erupted into a full-blown laugh!

"Oh man, I'd hate to be you guys, right now!"

I really do feel much better, now.