Most mornings, I find myself glancing over at a colleague, Sara, who always appears perfectly polished—her outfits immaculate and her hair styled to perfection. Meanwhile, I’m battling the urge to declare every day a casual day (and sometimes, I submit). It’s easy to assume she doesn’t have kids, but I know better—she does. I often tell myself that the moment I can prepare for work without children clamoring for my attention or climbing on my vanity, that’s when I’ll start looking as put-together as her. Until that day arrives, my fellow working moms and I continue to navigate these genuine challenges:
- Breakfast Dilemmas
You might think that being awakened by children at 5 a.m. would give me ample time to whip up a nutritious breakfast. However, since they eat at daycare, do they really need two meals? Instead, I trade cooking for quick snacks like crackers, nutrition bars, and even the occasional piece of chocolate. Five minutes to prepare a proper breakfast? That requires getting out of bed—no thank you! - Taming the Hair
For that elusive “just right” look? Well, it’s usually a messy bun—my go-to style for at least three out of five days. Trendy, right? On the rare occasion I take time to style my hair, I’m greeted with questions like “Did you get a haircut?” Nope, just managed to shower! - Maintaining Hygiene
Ah, the shower. Do I wake up at 4:45 a.m. for a quick rinse, or do I brave the chaos of showering with my little ones? The latter often leads to arguments over water and curious inquiries about my body. Bun day three it is, and a generous application of deodorant! - Caffeine Dependency
For coffee enthusiasts, caffeine isn’t just a need; it’s a delight. However, with early risers, I often find myself skipping that first cup or, worse, spilling it all over myself. And let’s not even discuss the coffee breath—it’s an added hygiene dilemma no one relishes. But desperate times call for desperate measures, right? Mints, here I come! - Screen Time Management
By 7 a.m., my kids have already maxed out their screen time, thanks to their early wake-up calls. At least if they’re glued to the TV or the iPad, I can sneak in a few more moments of shut-eye. But I have to be careful; one loud breath from me, and my 4-year-old is demanding my attention. Am I ruining their brains? I hope not! - Everyday Casualness
Casual Friday is my favorite workday—the one day I can blend in with the office crowd (except for that impeccably dressed co-worker). Yet, I often find myself in jeans and a hoodie multiple times a week. “Casual” has become my daily attire, and I’m hoping that one day my kids will sleep in, allowing me to reclaim my working mom image. - Bribing for Sleep
I would do just about anything for one extra minute of sleep. Toys, sweets, outings—nothing is off the table if it means a few more moments of rest. I’ve even resorted to the “foolproof” stoplight alarm clock to encourage my kids to sleep in. But alas, sleep deprivation often leads to shameless bribes. - The Morning Struggle to Get Up
The hardest part? Simply getting out of bed. If I could manage that, I might find the energy to cook breakfast, shower, and actually dress professionally. But denial often keeps me nestled under the covers, thinking my kids won’t wake up early—spoiler alert, they always do! - Endless Denial
The most profound challenge of being a working mom with early risers is denial. Those who don’t share this experience often suggest going to bed earlier. If only it were that simple! With constant interruptions before dawn, I feel the need for my own time, leading to a perpetual cycle of late nights and early mornings.
To all the working moms coping with early birds, I wish you strength and patience. Here’s to managing those ambitious little ones, all while donning my comfy “Friday” attire on a Wednesday!
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Summary:
Working moms with early risers face a unique set of challenges, from managing breakfast and personal hygiene to maintaining sanity amidst chaos. The struggle to get ready while juggling parenting demands often leads to casual attire becoming the norm. Bribery becomes a tactic for a few extra minutes of sleep, and denial about early wake-ups adds to the daily struggle. Ultimately, these experiences unite moms navigating the complexities of work and family life.