A few months back, I found myself sitting in my car, anxiously waiting for the bell to ring so I could dash into my child’s school and pick him up. In that moment, a brilliant idea for a writing pitch popped into my head, and I knew I had to jot it down before it slipped away, just like the countless other tasks I had to remember that day.
In a frenzy, I searched my car and came across a napkin that looked clean enough, though I wasn’t entirely sure. Desperate times call for creative solutions, right? I regretted not grabbing a pen before leaving the house; even my phone was left behind, resting on the table. I wanted to capture this pitch — “reasons women should explore self-pleasure.” I placed the napkin where I could see it, knowing my memory would fail me otherwise.
Once my fourth grader and I were settled in the car, discussing his day, I completely forgot about my little note. That is until he began reading it aloud, slowly sounding out “mas-tur-bate.” Naturally, he asked what it meant, and I explained it to him. I told him it’s a normal part of life, as long as it happens in the privacy of one’s bedroom.
Look at it this way: I was multitasking. An idea for work led to a conversation with my son that was long overdue — mission accomplished. Moms are champions of this chaos.
I’ll say it again: women who juggle work, home, and motherhood are nothing short of incredible. Working from home often means you’re on the toilet, soothing a fussy child, and responding to emails all at once. You learn to pivot quickly for important calls, especially when deadlines get shuffled around unexpectedly. Sometimes, you’re writing articles between playing with trucks or caring for a sick little one.
Maximizing every moment becomes second nature. The art of multitasking reaches new heights when trying to balance motherhood and a career during the same hours. You realize that finding time for both your kids and your job often means they need you at the exact same moment.
While it’s possible to compartmentalize parenting and work, it doesn’t always happen seamlessly. Dinner prep can feel like a balancing act, as you stir a pot with one hand while keeping your work brain engaged, all while remaining in “mom mode.” You strive to work smarter, not harder, allowing you to offer more to your family, your job, and yourself.
Boredom is a rarity. The shifts between work and home responsibilities keep you alert. When you manage to focus solely on work while the kids play nicely, or when you’re caught up with work and can bake cupcakes, it feels like a mini-vacation.
You get away with things like taking a video call while wearing pajama bottoms. No one will know if you’ve thrown on a blazer over your favorite nightgown, and it gives you a little thrill. (Unless, of course, your toddler bursts in like a whirlwind, followed by the baby in a walker, and you realize standing up is not an option because of your lack of trousers — but hey, sometimes you have to take that risk.)
You find yourself hunting for special toys or movies to keep your kids entertained during crunch times, and when it works, you feel like a superhero. Your ability to give your children “the look” that says, “Do not disturb unless there’s blood involved,” becomes finely tuned.
I genuinely love my work, and a big part of that is being able to be at home with my children. I made a conscious decision a while ago not to choose between the two. I want them to see me getting things done for work and tackling everyday chores (even if they also see me binge-watching old episodes of Desperate Housewives while snacking on Cheetos — nobody can be switched on all the time).
Women are complex beings, and motherhood isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. We’re reminded of this constantly. Even though I have my frazzled moments, I cherish the opportunity to work from home. It grants me autonomy (and some income), and there’s nothing more fulfilling than nurturing my kids while also pursuing my dreams.
For more insights on family and self-care, consider checking out this link from our other blog posts, or for a deeper understanding of home insemination, visit Make a Mom. Additionally, the NHS offers valuable information on pregnancy and related topics here.
Summary
Working from home is a chaotic yet fulfilling experience, blending the demands of parenting with professional responsibilities. It requires creativity, multitasking, and the ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances. Despite the chaos, the joy of nurturing both children and personal ambitions makes it all worthwhile.