I honestly don’t know how you manage it all.
We’ve all chuckled at that infamous BBC interview where a dad was interrupted by his kids during a serious discussion about democracy. It was a hilarious moment, especially when a friend shared a parody imagining a similar chaos with a working mom. The laughter was real, but the truth behind it is a little sobering.
Because, working mom, I truly don’t understand how you do it.
You rise each morning to not only make your little ones presentable but also yourself. You somehow pull together your hair, makeup, and outfits that go beyond activewear, all while wearing grown-up shoes — yet you do.
You prepare breakfasts, pack lunches, and coax your children to eat, all while mentally gearing up for the challenges that await at your desk — and you make it happen.
You juggle the school run, delivering that all-important “one last kiss” before rushing across town (or further) to arrive at work on time — and you do it seamlessly.
You navigate meetings and pediatric appointments, managing sick kids and conference calls while enduring the eye-rolls from those who don’t understand why you need to leave promptly at 5 p.m. (I hear the not-so-funny quips: “Oh, half-day today?”) — but you do.
You keep track of permission slips and birthday gifts while crafting a PowerPoint for an important presentation — and you pull it off.
After your day job, you dash home to begin your other, even more demanding role. You cook dinner, ask about their day, and smile through the twinges of sadness for all the moments you missed. You admire their artwork, help with homework, mediate disputes, kiss away the boo-boos, handle bath time, read bedtime stories, and then tackle household management: ensuring school clothes and sports uniforms are ready, sorting through mail, and carving out time with your partner.
I’m in awe of how you do it, but you do.
You working moms are the unsung champions, the true feminists, the real trailblazers. Much of what you accomplish goes unnoticed because you make it seem effortless. You ensure your kids never doubt their importance to you, all while climbing the corporate ladder, paving the way for the rest of us.
I’ve noticed that some women tend to judge each other based on their choices — whether staying home or returning to work. However, it seems to me that no matter the path we take, we all carry some guilt and regret. Those who stay home may feel they’re wasting their skills, while those who return feel torn and conflicted. Ultimately, judgment has no place among us.
There’s a saying that it takes a village, and while working moms may have a support system, at the end of the day, you are still the one holding everything together. You are the one who knows where everyone is and what needs to be done. You deserve all the recognition for tackling an impossible job, regardless of the help you receive.
From my perspective, I want to express my gratitude: Thank you, incredible working mom. Thank you for conquering the toughest job and making it appear simple. Thank you for brushing off the judgment from those who don’t understand, because you’re simply too busy for that nonsense. Thank you for leaving meetings early and ignoring the sighs from those who will one day grasp your reality, all to return to your children.
Every day, you are paving the way for a better work-life balance for parents, even if it sometimes comes at the cost of your own pride. Thank you for reminding us that the person you were before is still worth preserving, even if life has changed.
Thank you for keeping the office doors open for those of us who may take longer to return, ensuring the path ahead is clear.
I may never fully comprehend how you do it, but I want to say thank you. You are my inspiration.
With love,
A Grateful Mom