As a Mom of Young Kids, I Graciously Decline Your Offer

home insemination Kit

“Can you volunteer for this committee?”
“Would you like to be the class mom?”
“How about a position on the board?”
“Are you interested in leading a group?”

Oh, absolutely! I’d love to jump in and help! I thrive on being active and involved. I’ve got that firstborn mentality that screams ‘leadership.’ But hold on a second… I’m afraid I have to decline.

Why, you ask? Because, as a mom of little ones, there are days when simply getting a shower in is a major accomplishment. Even if I scribble it on my calendar, I’ll forget it. I routinely misplace crucial items—like my sanity and my keys.

I know there are many parents—both stay-at-home and working—who juggle children of all ages and still manage to get things done. They hold positions, attend meetings, and have responsibilities that extend beyond their own homes. These high-functioning individuals can actually follow through on commitments. They don’t forget about that dentist appointment they saw on the calendar only hours before.

These folks often manage to wear actual clothes—non-comfortable ones, mind you—on a regular day. They accomplish tasks, remember family birthdays, and even send gifts on time!

I, however, am not one of those people.

Coming to terms with my limitations was no easy feat. I dropped too many balls, disappointed my children, and felt that familiar rush of embarrassment too many times as I rushed to fulfill commitments at the last moment or didn’t follow through at all.

All of this could have been avoided with one simple word: No.
No, I can’t.
No, I’m sorry.
No, not right now.

I’d love to help, but until my kids can dress themselves, pour their own milk, and handle their own hygiene without needing my constant supervision, I can’t take on more.

During my first summer in a new neighborhood, right before my oldest began kindergarten, I was trying to wrangle my kids while wearing the baby. As I waddled into the parking lot, drenched in sweat, I passed a very involved swim mom whose youngest was 9. I confided to her, “I wish I could help, but I just can’t.”

Her response?
“Oh, we get it! You will—just not yet. We’ve all been there. Don’t worry about it.”

In that instant, she changed my perspective. I felt no judgment, no guilt for not contributing. Instead, I felt relief and gratitude. She unknowingly granted me permission to take my time and join in when I could—eventually.

I look forward to volunteering more, but until “helping mom” shifts from toddler wrangling to genuine assistance, I need to focus on the current chaos. Until “clean your room” means more than just tossing clothes into a pile, and “I’m hungry” stops being a refrain every hour, I’ll hold off on extra commitments.

So, thank you to the moms with older kids who understand that some of us are just trying to keep up with the basics. Your efforts are appreciated. We’re eager to learn from you and will step up when our little ones are a bit older.

And to you, fellow mom of young ones, don’t feel guilty about saying “no” or dropping some balls while you experiment with “yes.” We’ve all been there, and it’s okay to be patient with yourself. Finding a balance takes time. “Yes” will come—maybe not now, but perhaps in a few years.

For more insights on home insemination, check out this other blog post. When it comes to effective options, Cryobaby offers a reliable kit for those interested. And if you want to dive deeper into the process, Cleveland Clinic is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.

Summary

Juggling life as a mom of young children can be overwhelming, and while the desire to help is strong, it’s essential to recognize our limits. Finding balance is a process, and it’s perfectly okay to say no for now. With the support of other parents and a little patience, we can eventually contribute more as our children grow.