Parenting while managing a career is a struggle that many of us know all too well. As a new working mom, I find myself in a continuous battle, trying to juggle everything life throws our way. Whether you are a stay-at-home parent or a working one, neither role is more important; both come with their own challenges. Lately, I’ve been feeling the weight of these responsibilities more than ever.
Take this week, for instance. My partner is away, leaving me to tackle everything alone. While I know this isn’t quite the same as being a single parent, it’s still incredibly draining. Each morning begins with the daunting task of getting three young children ready for daycare. Did I pack the bottles? Check. Are the backpacks ready? Check. Did I remember to sign the necessary paperwork? Check. And of course, are they all dressed? Check!
Today is Tuesday, which means it’s “share day.” Convincing my little one to choose just one item to bring is a challenge, and I often find myself negotiating with a tiny dictator. Wednesdays focus on letters, and this week’s is C. My child insists on bringing a “snake,” which leads me to grab a carrot and a celery stick, hoping they meet the phonetic requirement. In hindsight, a toy car would’ve made much more sense. Did I mention how tired I am?
So off my preschooler goes to school with two raw veggies while I pray he doesn’t munch on them before show-and-tell. I’m sure the teacher will understand my chaos, but sometimes I wonder how I measure up against other moms. In an ideal world, I’d have everything planned out for the month, but reality doesn’t always allow for that.
Then there’s the logistical nightmare of scheduling. With drop-off at 6:30 a.m., I’m up by 4:30 a.m. to ensure everyone is dressed, fed, and somewhat presentable—especially on picture day. Yet, my efforts are often thwarted when my boys decide to wrestle in muddy snow before school, or when I find my youngest covered in who-knows-what after getting her out of the car.
Once I finally drop the kids off, I rush to work. At the office, I must remain engaged and productive, all while fielding messages about my little ones—like whether my son is coming down with something. Will I receive a sick call? Did I remember to sign the paper for his backpack? Is the baby running low on formula? Did Dad sign up for parent-teacher conferences? The list goes on.
Pre-K days are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, meaning I need to leave work by 3:15 p.m. to pick up my eldest from the bus by 4:05 p.m. After that, it’s a whirlwind of dinner prep, bath time, and preparing for the next day. The limited time I have with my kids often ends up filled with chores, leaving little room for genuine interaction. By the time I get them to bed—usually later than planned—I’m wrapping up laundry and settling in for a quick meal and some mindless TV before crashing, only to do it all over again the next day.
Garbage day? Sure, let’s get those overflowing bins to the curb. Exhausted? Absolutely. Despite my best efforts, I often feel like I’m falling short in every role I play. The truth is, it’s impossible to excel in every area and meet every demand while balancing it all.
What we can do is our best and hope nothing slips through the cracks. For more insights into the challenges of parenting, check out our other post on home insemination tips or visit Make A Mom for expert resources on getting started with home insemination. Additionally, for a deeper understanding of intrauterine insemination, visit NHS.
In summary, navigating the life of a working parent is a challenging balancing act filled with constant demands and little time for self-care. Each day is a test of endurance as we strive to manage our responsibilities while caring for our families.