Most days, I feel pretty good if I make it through half my “to do” list. This can be three fourths of my work “to do” list and one fourth of the home “to do” list with none of the social “to do” list, and I had a productive day. Maybe even a day I could count as a win.
Being a parent is HARD. It’s a full time gig regardless of your energy level. Staying at home with your kids is a challenge of it’s own kind! I count down the days until the weekend when I can play with Eli for more than a two hour period after day care and before bed. He wakes up around 6:30 am, we eat breakfast, play in his little house, run around chasing a ball, craft play dough masterpieces, color and by 7:45 am I’m wondering how I am going to keep him entertained the rest of the day! So hats off mommas who do that every day! During the week, it’s a quick hour in the morning for breakfast and making my 20 month old look presentable enough to get to daycare with a hopeful glance in the mirror as I back out of the garage that I at least look like a sane human being. If I didn’t work from home and had to be ready when I took Eli to daycare, I don’t know how the morning would work (oh wait…. I’m starting to go into an office in June. Thoughts to ponder later).
All this to say, there is a lot to this stage of life with a small child while you try to conquer the world in other aspects of your life. This blog is an idea that I want to give a shot because it can foster a sense of community! The goal here is to present possible “hacks” to the life of a working mom.
There are a few things you won’t find on this blog.
1) Having it all together.
Life is messy. I’m not even close!
2) Apologizing or feeling guilty
When I’m with Eli, guilt tries to creep up on the things I’m behind on for work. When I’m working, I miss my little man and want more time with him. Guilt gets you no where, so the goal is to leave it in the dust. I love my job and I choose to work. There is no guilt in that. But I am continually learning to check it at the door and be present with my son. (Even if the door is just my home office)
3) Judgement of other parents
We are all doing the best we can!
4) Just my story
My hope in this blog is that it’s a place for something much bigger than me. I want to offer this as a space to share the hacks other moms have found work well and hope to have some guest bloggers along the way! Just like every child is different, every mom is different too! What works for me may not be what works for you.
Until next time, I’ll leave you with my favorite Eli moment from today. “Cheeeeessseeeee”
Hacking the Working Mom 