Student-Mother

College is already a hassle. Children are even more of a hassle. Don't get me wrong. They can be very adorable, but in the next second, they can work up your nerves. My older sister had her son about three years ago while she was still working on her undergraduate degree. He was due before school started, so she pretty much popped out the baby and went back to school two weeks later to my mother's dismay. It's okay though. My sister has finally graduated, and her son is doing well, too. I lovingly call him, "The Menace."

After my sister's graduation, we headed over to a restaurant to eat lunch and celebrate her success. The Menace decided that he'd rather play games in the arcade, and my family so lovingly /sarcasm/ offered me to go with him. We didn't actually play any games. Instead, I encouraged him to pretend he was actually shooting the zombies and driving the car. Three year olds don't notice those kinds of things, right? Then, my two sisters and I all helped him use the bathroom. We taught him how to scrub his hands well and dry them off with a paper towel. Smiling apologetically at another lady in the restroom, I hoped she didn't mind we took so long. She seemed to be patiently waiting to use the sink.

So, after he washed his hands, he took off out the door, and I chased him--in heels -_-. Our cat and mouse game took us around the jukebox twice, embarrassing me in front of two guys a little younger than me. I grabbed him and did my best to hold tight and carry him back to our table. Along the way, he kept conversing loudly. "Play games! Go play games!"

"No, Menace." I cooed. "We have to eat lunch first and then we can play. We're inside, so remember to speak softly." I talked softly, encouraging him to copy my speech volume. Nothing I said worked. I don't know how Moms do it. I kept feeling the need to apologize again and again to everyone trying to enjoy a good meal. His noise level was unbearable ><. Finally, when we reached our table, he calmed down a little and then took off again for the arcade. His father followed after him instead. My tired body needed a rest. Now I knew why my sister only took the minimum hours she needed to be a full-time student

That Menace makes me want to never have kids. I'll stick to my cats and I'll like them! I can just get a harness and strap my cat to my belly. I doubt I'll ever miss having children. Think about that for a second though...What if I had to chase the Menace around while studying for finals @.@. I really don't know how my older sister did it. With a child distracting me, my grades would've definitely suffered. I've heard stories of  single mothers who've had two children and still become valedictorian. They are some very brave and hardworking souls.

My cat child and I in the future~

I'm really glad that I don't have children right now, and the next time I see people taking care of their kid on campus, I'll just nod knowingly. They need some extra help to get them through two struggles. The moral of the story is that children can be very adorable, but it may be best to wait to have them after college when your plate isn't so full.