In the chaos of parenting, being late is often par for the course. This morning, for instance, my son, Lucas, was still munching on his breakfast when we should have been heading out the door. I had set my alarm for 6 a.m. to ensure a 7 a.m. departure. Despite his peculiar habit of sleeping in his clothes for the next day, a low-maintenance hairstyle, and a distraction-free environment, we still found ourselves running late. It’s perplexing, really—what happens in that hour?
At 14, Lucas isn’t a toddler who resists getting dressed to play with toys; he knows the drill. We both try our best, but it seems like we can’t quite get it together. The routine is all too familiar: “Lucas, we’re going to be late, you need to pick up the pace!” He makes an effort, but it often appears as though he’s moving in slow motion. Frustration builds, he bumps into things, and then there’s the inevitable backpack spill. I, on the other hand, grip tightly to my sanity as I realize that there’s nothing more I can do to hasten the process.
“Let’s step it up, Lucas. We’re late again,” I repeat, exasperated. His response is predictably calm: “Yelling won’t make me move any faster.” With him now towering over me at 6’1″, I can’t physically rush him like I could when he was younger.
There are also two other children and myself to prep in the morning. With multiple people trying to coordinate, it’s a recipe for chaos—someone inevitably needs the bathroom, someone requires a drink, and shoes, coats, and books are perpetually misplaced. On top of that, my youngest might decide their socks feel all wrong, or I might forget the dog while heading out for her vet appointment.
Being a parent is a valid excuse for tardiness, and I wholeheartedly embrace it. While some may view it as inconsiderate, I can’t help but wonder how those punctual parents manage to achieve such impressive organization. I’m over here, frantically trying to get my youngest to don a coat while simultaneously searching for a permission slip.
One day, I hope to join the ranks of those consistently on time, free from the constant rush and feeling like I’m perpetually ten minutes behind. But today is not that day.
Most parents I know who often run late are not leisurely sipping coffee while watching the morning news, thinking, “It’s fine, I can afford to be late because I have kids.” No, they are zooming around, anxiously monitoring the clock, and berating themselves for yet another late arrival, all while urging their children to hurry up. It’s a chaotic, unintentional dance, with no one enjoying the rhythm.
The reality is that life as a parent is unpredictable. Sometimes, unexpected events arise, and despite our best efforts, we find ourselves running late. This doesn’t signify a lack of consideration for others; rather, it reflects the wild unpredictability of parenting. If someone deems you selfish for being ten minutes late because you were hunting for a pacifier that rolled under the car seat to prevent a meltdown during the car ride, let it go. After all, you likely have more pressing matters to attend to, like getting your family where they need to be.
In summary, parenting often leads to unintentional tardiness. Despite our best preparations and intentions, life throws curveballs that can derail even the tightest schedules. Embracing this reality helps alleviate the stress that comes with being late.
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