I truly don’t know how you manage it all. We’ve all witnessed that infamous BBC interview where a dad’s live discussion about South Korea’s democracy was hilariously interrupted by his children. It was a viral sensation — until a friend shared a parody imagining the same scenario with a working mom. I found it amusing because it felt all too relatable.
But upon reflection, it’s a bit of a serious matter. Because, dear busy mom, I genuinely cannot fathom how you do it.
You rise early to not only get your little ones ready but also to prepare yourself. You somehow achieve hair, makeup, and outfits that steer clear of the activewear zone — and you nail it.
You whip up breakfast, pack lunches, and encourage your kids to eat while mentally gearing up for the day ahead at work. Somehow, you get everyone to the school drop-off, offer that essential “one last kiss,” and then dash across town to make it to the office on time.
You juggle meetings, pediatrician visits, sick kids, conference calls, and the not-so-subtle eye rolls from those who don’t understand when you need to leave at 5 p.m. (You know the ones who say, “Taking a half-day?”) — but you still pull it off.
You manage to keep track of permission slips that need returning and birthday gifts that must be bought, all while crafting that important PowerPoint presentation for an audience. And after finishing your job, you rush home to begin your even tougher role at home. You cook dinner, engage with your kids about their day, and try to mask your sadness about the moments you missed. You admire their art, help with homework, mediate disputes, kiss away their tears, oversee bath time, and read bedtime stories. Once they’re asleep, you tackle household tasks like sorting school clothes, managing the mail, and carving out time with your partner.
I can’t comprehend how you do it, but you do.
Working mothers are the true unsung champions, the real feminists, and the steadfast supporters of all women. Your efforts often go unnoticed because you make it seem effortless. You ensure your kids never doubt their importance to you while climbing the corporate ladder, paving the way for the rest of us.
There’s often talk of judgment between different “camps” of mothers — stay-at-home moms critiquing those who prioritize their careers and vice versa. From my perspective, it’s evident that no matter our choices post-children, there’s always a twinge of regret and guilt involved. Those who stay home worry about skills becoming dull, while those who return to work feel torn. Judgment has no place here.
I’ve also heard the adage that it takes a village to raise a child, implying that working moms have a support system. But in the quiet moments of the night, you’re still “Mommy.” When the kids are unwell, you’re still the primary caregiver. You keep everything organized and ensure everything runs smoothly. You deserve every bit of recognition for this incredibly challenging job, regardless of the support you receive.
I can’t speak for women everywhere, but from my vantage point, I want to express my gratitude: Thank you, busy mom. Thank you for undertaking the toughest job and making it appear easy. Thank you for brushing off the judgment from those who lack understanding, as you’re too occupied with what truly matters. Thank you for stepping out of meetings early to be with your kids, ignoring the sighs from those who will one day understand your priorities.
Every day, you are helping to normalize the work-life balance for parents, even if it sometimes means setting aside your own pride. Thank you for reminding us that the person you were before motherhood is still significant and worthy of preservation.
Thank you for holding the door open for those of us who have taken longer leave, ensuring that when we return, the path is clear and safe.
I still don’t know how you manage it all, but thank you. You are truly my inspiration.
With appreciation,
A Grateful Mother
P.S. For more insights on boosting fertility, check out our post on fertility supplements at Make a Mom. If you’re looking for essential medical questions to prepare for pregnancy, visit Understanding Family Health History for Pregnancy. For valuable statistics on infertility, CDC is an excellent resource.
Summary:
This heartfelt letter acknowledges the incredible efforts of working moms who juggle multiple responsibilities at home and work. It recognizes their dedication, the challenges of societal judgment, and the importance of support and understanding among all mothers. The letter expresses deep gratitude for their resilience and the normalization of work-life balance.