When being a Working Mom is Hard
Vol. 1, No. 23
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You’re reading Modern Motherhood Musings, a weekly newsletter written from one mom to another. Each week I share an honest reflection on motherhood, and a collection of things bringing me joy. I’m passionate about community, and I hope that by sharing our stories, we all feel a little less alone. Disclosure: Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
📝 This week’s musing…
I woke up at 6:50 yesterday morning to a text message from our nanny; she was sick and couldn't make it to work. I immediately felt a pit in my stomach and the weight of everything we'd need to manage. Brandon had two big meetings he couldn't miss, so I took kid duty.
I messaged my work team to let them know my availability would be sporadic, but I reminded them that they could reach me via cell anytime. I packed lunch and got both boys dressed while I settled for the bare minimum of a T-shirt, baseball hat, and a swipe of mascara as I lugged the kids out the door to drop Will off at summer camp.
As luck would have it, work was absolutely crazy today. Isn't that how it always goes? I was on multiple calls with senior leaders, apologizing for the cartoons in the background and my casual attire. Worries inevitably popped up about how unprofessional I looked.
A fair question would be, "Well, why aren't your children in daycare full-time?" Even then, if your kids get sick, you can't send them to school, so once again, you're stuck coordinating childcare at the last minute. As a working mom with young children, you're acutely aware of how often you have to move meetings or ask for time off due to sick kids or childcare situations, and it's hard.
After getting through the day of playing two roles simultaneously, I started my second shift—feeding my family dinner and coordinating childcare for the next day, trying to be proactive so we wouldn't be scrambling again.
I don’t have school-aged kids yet, but I know how hard the summer months are for working moms. My sister-in-law spends months coordinating. You either have to hire full-time childcare or find camps that are often not full-day and very expensive or have wait lists with hundreds of kids.
No matter how smoothly things might be going, there's a constant feeling of guilt. There are always school events you want to attend and feel guilty when you can't be there. Vacations you can't take, milestones you miss, and moments you know you'll never get back.
The to-do list is never-ending. There are forms to fill out, appointments to make, special school days to remember, wait lists for swim lessons, camps, and soccer. There are so many things to get through, and never enough hours in the day.
This isn't a post to complain but to remind all of you working moms who might be feeling stretched thin that if it feels hard, it's because it is hard. It's really challenging, and we can't feel ashamed to admit it. I had a really hard day today, but what's giving me purpose is being able to speak up and say “I see you, and I'm with you.” We’ll get through this season.
Managing the chaos of camp drop off before logging into my workday. Some days, you just have to admit that it’s hard.
✨ Friday favorites…
☕️ I’ve struggled with sleep my entire life, going through seasons where I can’t sleep for months, but I’ve started drinking this lavender latte nightly and it really takes the edge off and helps me rest better. Plus, it’s full of antioxidants!
🍤 We made this Grilled Shrimp and Shishito Pepper Gremolata last weekend and it was delicious! I had some doubts when I first mixed the gremolata, but on top of the shrimp it became absolute perfection!
🏡 My grandma read The Napping House to me when I was young, and now Will loves when we read it together. It’s so silly and cute, and one of our favorite bedtime stories.
👯♀️ From one mom, to another…
Your words of wisdom, best piece of advice, and favorite hacks can make a difference in another mom’s journey. What has helped you survive this season? Email me to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
❝
Make a toddler charcuterie board for dinner: fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat, etc. You'll have dinner assembled in 15 seconds.
Lindsey H. - Aurora, CO
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Happy Friday, friends! I hope you have a great weekend!
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