Four years ago, I decided to give up soda during Lent. In my quest for a healthier option, I found myself ordering coffee from a local diner on the way to work, dousing it with cream and sugar. I opted for the largest size, guzzling it down like it was the elixir of life. That inexpensive coffee was what propelled me through the doors of my office each morning. Eventually, I transitioned to more refined brews, but that’s a tale for another time.
Coffee has become my companion, a slight obsession, and ultimately a crucial lifeline, especially when it comes to parenting my energetic toddler. I rely on it, and without that comforting mug, chaos ensues. If you’re a parent of a young child, chances are you can relate.
Since the arrival of my daughter, Mia, coffee has transformed into an essential part of my daily routine.
“Daddy!” Mia exclaimed this morning, her voice piercing through my sleepy haze. My eyes struggled to adjust in the dim light as I saw her perched upright in her crib, like a vigilant little meerkat. She waved her tiny finger in the air, calling my name. I could have used a few more minutes of sleep, but that was never going to happen. She was awake, and so was I. The clock read 5:30 a.m. Coffee was non-negotiable.
Before getting out of bed, I utter my daily mantra: “God, bestow upon me the coffee I need to keep my daughter safe, the strength to tackle this day, and the wisdom to brew more coffee. Amen.”
I require divine assistance and caffeine—both before and after the whirlwind of the day takes hold. It’s essential for all parents, especially when your toddler decides to test your patience by acting like a tiny tornado.
Signs You Might Need Coffee
In case you’re questioning your own coffee habits, here are some signs that you might need that cup of joe:
- You find yourself getting on the subway heading the wrong way—you are not alone on this.
- You accidentally pour baby formula into your cereal.
- You take your cat outside for a break only to realize you are holding the leash with no feline in sight.
- Mid-conversation, you suddenly can’t remember the word “spoon.”
- You become disoriented in the grocery store, waking up in aisle 4 with no idea what you were searching for.
When life feels overwhelming, coffee is your trusty ally. Let me share our morning ritual, which I proudly share with my daughter.
Mia and I dive into our coffee-making routine together. We dismantle the grinder and sweep out the old grounds. I give it a good clean, and then I turn on the scale, pressing the tare button. I weigh out 26 grams of coffee beans and let Mia pour them into the grinder. As the beans transform into a fine powder, my little sidekick clings to my hip, eagerly pointing at the kettle. We fill it with filtered water and set the heat high. My favorite moment follows: I lift the plastic tray of fresh grounds to my nose and inhale deeply. Mia does the same, taking a big whiff and giggling as I playfully warn her, “The Force is strong with you, but you’re not yet a Jedi.”
As steam escapes from the kettle, I pour the water over the grounds in a slow, circular motion, watching as a magical bubble forms and bursts. This ritual is what my partner calls my obsession. The aroma fills the air as the coffee brews. “Patience, young Padawan,” I remind Mia when she grows restless, eager for her first sip.
I sip my coffee at 5:30 a.m., again mid-morning, during our favorite shows, and whenever I feel my energy waning. On particularly hectic days, I often dream about an IV drip of coffee. I know I’m not the only one.
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Summary
Coffee is an indispensable part of parenting, especially for those with young children. My morning ritual of brewing coffee with my daughter is not only a bonding experience but also a necessary routine to kickstart our day. From the magic of the brewing process to the comforting aroma that fills our home, coffee fuels our adventures together, reminding us that we are in this journey together.