Let’s be honest: some days, I can’t help but envy that co-worker who always looks polished and put together, even on a casual Friday. Meanwhile, I’m wrestling with the urge to keep it casual every day—sometimes I even give in. I’d like to think, “She must not have kids,” but I know she does.
I often daydream about the moment I can get ready without little voices yelling for me or tiny hands crawling all over my vanity. Until that day arrives, I, like many working moms with early risers, am faced with these genuine struggles:
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Breakfast Dilemmas
You’d assume that being jolted awake by kids at 5 a.m. would give me ample time to whip up a nutritious breakfast. But since they’ll eat at daycare, do they really need two breakfasts? So, I trade time for a decent meal with snacks like crackers, nutrition bars, or even a piece of chocolate—whatever buys me a moment of peace to tame my hair. -
Hair Chaos
As for that perfect hairdo? It often translates to the “messy bun”—the go-to look for two out of three days. And yes, I rely on dry shampoo to mask the grease. On the rare occasion I manage to style my hair, I’m met with, “Did you get a haircut?” Nope, just washed it, which apparently is a rare feat in my world. -
Hygiene Struggles
Taking a shower? What a luxury! Do I wake up at 4:45? Keep up the dry shampoo routine? Or take a shower with the kids, who inevitably turn it into a water war while asking about my anatomy? No thanks! I’ll just stick with the bun for day three and slather on extra deodorant. -
Caffeine Cravings
Coffee is my lifeline. Sure, early risers might give me a chance to sip on a cup before heading out, but the chaos of spilled coffee or forgotten cups can lead to a throbbing headache. And don’t even get me started on coffee breath. No one wants to be the one with that odor at work—yet, the risk is a small price to pay for caffeine. -
Screen Time Monitoring
By 7 a.m., my kids have often hit their screen time limits for the day, thanks to their 5 a.m. wake-up call. If they’re zoned out watching TV or using the iPad, I can sneak in a few more minutes of rest. But I have to be quiet—my 4-year-old will poke me and demand I watch with her. Am I ruining their brains? I hope not. -
Everyday Casual Friday
Casual Friday is my favorite. Unfortunately, for me, it’s more like casual four times a week. Jeans? Check. Comfy hoodie? Check. Sneakers or UGGs? Check. And yep, you guessed it—bun day three is probably on the agenda. I like to think I make it work, but until my kids sleep in, it’s casual every day! -
The Art of Bribery
I’d do just about anything for a few more minutes of sleep. I’d offer my kids toys, treats, or fun outings just to convince them to sleep in. And despite my best efforts, it feels like they don’t understand the urgency. Maybe I shouldn’t call it a “reward” when I suggest they can have a donut if they sleep in until their light turns green. -
The Battle to Get Out of Bed
Getting out of bed is a monumental struggle. If I could just rise earlier, I might make breakfast, shower, and even dress professionally. But alas, denial is my downfall. I keep thinking, “Maybe they’ll sleep in today.” Spoiler alert: they never do. -
Living in Denial
The biggest hurdle for a working mom with early risers is denial. Sure, people without kids might suggest going to bed earlier, but that’s not as easy as it sounds. I need my “me time,” even if it means sacrificing sleep. Thus begins the cycle of late nights and early morning wake-ups.
To all the working moms out there battling early risers, I wish you luck. And for any moms dealing with these ambitious little alarm clocks, you’re not alone.
Written with love, in my casual Friday attire, on a Wednesday, sporting my day three bun.
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Summary:
Working moms with early risers face a unique set of challenges, including struggling with breakfast, personal hygiene, and finding time for self-care. Caffeine becomes essential, while screen time monitoring and casual work attire become the norm. Bribery and denial play a significant role in navigating these daily hurdles. Ultimately, the journey of balancing work and parenting is fraught with humor and resilience.