Before becoming a parent, I thought my life was hectic. I genuinely believed that balancing a full-time job, attending yoga classes, and grocery shopping consumed every spare minute I had.
Fast forward four years and two children later, and it’s clear I was completely mistaken about the meaning of being busy. My day begins the moment I wake up and doesn’t end until my head hits the pillow at night. Sure, I get some moments to play with my kids, but often, those moments are overshadowed by my never-ending to-do list.
I know myself well enough to understand that I become irritable when my home is cluttered. When my living room resembles a chaotic toy store and I’m stuck in sweatpants because my favorite jeans are dirty, I’m not the most pleasant person to be around. And when work demands pile up and my toddler begs me to join him in his superhero antics, I often feel like a fraud. My kids can pick up on my frustration, which only adds to their anxiety.
While I’m comfortable with who I am, society, particularly those who love to criticize moms for “not doing it right,” seems to have other ideas. They suggest I let the dishes pile up in the sink so I can cherish every fleeting moment with my children. They want me to quit my job to be more “present,” and probably expect me to adopt a Montessori approach to playtime while teaching my kids a second language.
Honestly, if I rolled my eyes any harder, they might just get stuck that way. I often wonder if those so-called perfect parents can even see me from their lofty perches, lounging on my couch with a drink in hand.
Let’s set the record straight: my children are not neglected. My three-year-old son loves his full-day preschool while I care for his cheerful little brother at home. Although I occasionally indulge in snuggles to see his adorable grin, don’t be mistaken—my days aren’t filled with non-stop games of peek-a-boo.
As a work-from-home mom, a significant portion of my day is spent staring at my laptop screen, crunching numbers for my corporate role. I also maintain a blog, volunteer in my community, prepare meals, tackle laundry, run errands, and manage doctor appointments for the kids. You get the picture. With a supportive husband who is also an amazing dad, I know I’m privileged. I recognize that many moms juggle everything solo or have to work full-time to stay afloat, which fills me with admiration for their resilience. Yet, acknowledging my blessings doesn’t alleviate the challenges I face.
The societal pressure on mothers is nothing new. We receive endless, often conflicting advice that can leave us feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. The reality is that there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish everything expected of us. It’s essential for us to decide which tasks to prioritize and to find peace with our choices. We owe it to ourselves to trust our instincts and disregard the unsolicited opinions of others.
Both of my parents came from challenging backgrounds and didn’t have the luxury of higher education right after high school. They jumped into the workforce, working long hours just to make ends meet. My dad managed a grocery store, often clocking in 50 to 60 hours a week. Meanwhile, my mom excelled in nursing school, all while caring for two kids. They were undoubtedly exhausted but still managed to provide for my sister and me, striving to give us a better childhood than theirs. They were unintentionally teaching me the values of hard work and sacrifice—lessons I want to impart to my children. I want them to witness my dedication and determination so that they can pursue their own dreams without guilt.
For more insights on parenting and navigating the journey, check out our other post on the At-Home Insemination Kit. Also, if you’re looking for expert resources, this article provides valuable guidance on supporting parents and children. For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, this page is an excellent resource.
In summary, being a parent is an intricate balancing act. While the expectations can be overwhelming, it’s crucial to prioritize what matters most to us and to embrace our unique journeys.