Four years ago, during the Lenten season, I decided to give up soda. In search of a healthier alternative, I found myself ordering coffee from McDonald’s on my way to work, drowning it in cream and sugar. I opted for the largest cup they offered, chugging it down to kickstart my day. That cheap brew was just what I needed to face the morning at my job. Eventually, my coffee journey led me to more refined blends, but that’s a tale for another time.
Let me be clear: Coffee has transformed into my companion, my vice, and my cherished hobby. Most importantly, it’s the lifeline that prevents me from losing my sanity while raising my toddler. I need it. I depend on it. Without coffee, I’m a wreck. If you’re a parent of a small child, I’m sure you understand the sentiment.
After my daughter was born, coffee became an integral part of my daily routine. “Daddy!” my little girl exclaimed this morning, her voice cutting through the early morning darkness. My eyes struggled to adjust as she sat upright in her crib, waving her arms and calling out for me. I desperately wished for a few more minutes of sleep, but that was never going to happen. It was 5:30 a.m., and I was wide awake. Coffee was a must.
Before getting out of bed, I offered my morning prayer:
“Dear God, grant me the coffee I need to keep my daughter safe, the strength to endure the day ahead, and the wisdom to order an extra cup. Amen.”
I need divine intervention and coffee—now more than ever. Fellow parents, trust me, you need that jolt of caffeine to power through the day, especially when your toddler decides to test your patience.
Signs You Might Need Coffee
If you find yourself questioning your coffee dependency, here are a few moments that clearly signal it’s time for a cup:
- You frequently board the subway heading in the wrong direction.
- You accidentally pour breastmilk over your cereal.
- You intend to take your dog out, only to end up in the elevator with your baby and an empty leash.
- You struggle to recall basic words mid-conversation.
- You zone out in the grocery aisle, snapping back to reality with no idea what you were looking for.
When life feels overwhelming, coffee is your best ally. It’s a necessity for those of us navigating toddler life. Let me walk you through our morning ritual (yes, I said “our” because my little one is involved).
My daughter, Lily, and I start our coffee-making process by disassembling the grinder, clearing out the old grounds. After a quick clean, I turn on the scale and prepare to weigh 26 grams of fresh beans, allowing Lily to pour them into the grinder. As it whirs to life, I cherish the moment. Lily, my little sidekick, mimics my actions, eagerly pointing to the kettle. We fill it with filtered water and place it on the stove, cranking up the heat.
The best part? I hold the tray of fresh grounds to my nose, inhaling deeply. Lily follows suit, taking a deep breath and excitedly exclaiming, “It smells amazing!” I laugh, reminding her, “You’re not a Jedi yet, young one.”
As steam escapes from the kettle, I remove it from the heat and pour the water through a red funnel resting atop the coffee pot. I slow down, letting the water interact with the grounds, watching bubbles form and burst. I pour in 400 grams of water in a careful, circular motion. This is what my wife refers to as my “obsession.” As the coffee brews, I remind Lily to be patient—“Good things come to those who wait, my Padawan.”
I drink my coffee at 5:30 a.m. and again mid-morning. I sip it while watching cartoons with Lily and rely on it in the afternoon when my energy dips. On particularly tough days, I fantasize about an IV drip of coffee; I know I’m not alone in this.
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Summary
Coffee serves as a vital source of energy and sanity for parents navigating the challenges of raising toddlers. Through shared morning rituals and the necessity of caffeine, parents find strength and humor in their daily routines. Coffee becomes not just a drink, but a lifeline.