Oh, the Things You've Worried About

Inspired by Dr. Seuss’ “Oh the Places You’ll Go.”

You have brains in your head

You’ve got helpful apps on your phone

And yet you worry and fret

about your kids’ milestones.

You are the mom. You’re the primary caregiver.

You’re in charge of everything, and that makes you shiver.

You’ll look up rashes and potty training. Look ‘em over with care.

About some you will say, “Let’s not go there.”

And yet you’ll still wonder, wonder will you

Whether your American kid has a rare African flu.

With your head full of brains and your phone full of apps

You’ll ponder and panic and fear all sorts of crap.

You’ll worry about walking and talking and thumb-sucking, too.

You’ll stay up late worrying about your kids’ shoes.

You’ll panic about preschool, freak out for fifth grade.

About processed foods, stranger danger, helmets, you’ll be afraid.

OH, THE THINGS YOU’VE WORRIED ABOUT.

Did your son get a B? Didn’t your daughter make the team?

Is it your fault? Did you mess up? Did you ruin their self esteem?

Did you use enough flashcards, throw them enough balls?

Should you have finished Candy Land instead of taking that call?

Did you spend enough time with them? Did you make enough crafts?

Should you send them to school with a paper towel roll giraffe?

OH, THE THINGS YOU’VE WORRIED ABOUT.

And yet despite the worry and the fear all the time,

Your kids seem to be turning out fine.

They’re smart and funny, engaging and kind.

They do their best. And at times, they even shine.

OH, THE THINGS YOU’VE WORRIED ABOUT.

So, step back a bit, relax and have fun.

Stop worrying about your daughter. Don’t fret over your son.

Because your maternal angst isn’t doing anyone good.

It’s not making them better people, like you thought it would.

Instead, pull back a bit. Let them grow up.

Will they be okay without your micromanaging? Yup.

Besides, while you were worried about everything kids,

About school and friends, sports and care.

Your husband thought of none of it.

And now he’s asleep in his chair.