Parenting can be a marathon, and it’s fascinating to observe how our energy and enthusiasm can shift throughout the day. In the morning, I often wake up feeling revitalized, armed with plans to engage and enrich my child’s life. However, by the afternoon, I find myself transformed into a more weary version of myself.
Morning Mom:
Full of ambition, she dreams up a jam-packed schedule for her little one. A sensory play area? A visit to the local botanical garden? Volunteering at a nearby charity? Perhaps even a fun and informative culinary journey through different cultures? The possibilities are endless!
Afternoon Mom:
Is a bowl of enriched cereal an adequate substitute?
Morning Mom:
Exudes patience and understanding during the inevitable meltdowns and diaper changes. She recognizes that the cries are simply her child expressing vulnerability. “It’s alright, sweetheart. Mommy understands you’re feeling a bit helpless, but you’re safe. Just a quick diaper change, and then we can go back to playtime.”
Afternoon Mom:
Peeks at the diaper. “Well, it’s blue, but you smell fine. Let’s keep chewing on that lamp cord while I check how much longer until cocktail hour.”
Morning Mom:
Sticks to a strict schedule. When her baby naps, she tidies up the toys, cleans bottles, and even squeezes in a workout. The tomato sauce for dinner is almost ready, and she’s feeling accomplished!
Afternoon Mom:
Sits on the edge of the bed, staring at the monitor as the baby gleefully dismantles the nursery decor. “Go to sleep, please!” she mutters through gritted teeth.
Morning Mom:
Embraces the idea that looking good leads to feeling good. Her hair is styled in a chic, messy bun, and she manages to apply a bit of makeup. Sporting her athleisure wear, she feels confident and ready to tackle the day.
Afternoon Mom:
By now, the bun has deflated into a sad, low knot. She’s got baby food smeared all over her face and crushed Cheerios stuck to her feet. As she heads to the nursery for yet another diaper change, she absentmindedly applies some of the baby’s organic balm to her chapped lips while juggling a FaceTime call with her mom. “Oh, I did put on foundation this morning,” she assures her mom, trying to make the best of the situation.
Morning Mom:
Constantly checks the Wonder Weeks app, planning activities around her child’s developmental milestones. She even sends a detailed email to her partner, expressing concerns about whether their child is meeting expectations.
Afternoon Mom:
Just wants to escape the house for a quick walk. She encounters an old acquaintance from school and feels a sense of relief when her child doesn’t reciprocate the overly enthusiastic wave. “Good job, kid!” she thinks. “Mommy never liked her anyway.”
While we all love our children and strive to give them the best, the transition from morning to afternoon can feel like a drastic shift. As the day wears on, I often morph into Afternoon Mom—the less cheerful and less motivated version of my morning self. Perhaps there’s a need for a new parenting approach—Afternoon Moms could be a fully rejuvenated version of ourselves by 2 p.m.
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Summary:
The journey of parenting can transform drastically from morning to afternoon. Morning Mom is optimistic and organized, while Afternoon Mom often finds herself exhausted and less motivated. Understanding this transition can help parents navigate their daily challenges and maintain a sense of humor.