As a working mother, I often find myself looking at a colleague who appears effortlessly polished, with perfectly styled hair and a wardrobe that never seems to include the dreaded “casual” attire. Meanwhile, I struggle against the temptation to embrace a casual look every day, sometimes giving in completely. I often comfort myself with the thought, “She must not have kids,” but reality checks me; she does.
I wait for the day when I can prepare for work without the chaos of children demanding my attention, crying, or climbing all over my vanity. Until that day arrives, I, along with other working moms with early risers, confront these genuine struggles:
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Breakfast Dilemmas
You might think that being awakened at 5 a.m. would allow ample time for a nutritious breakfast. However, since my children eat at daycare, I question whether they need two breakfasts. Instead, I resort to quick snacks like crackers, nutrition bars, and the occasional candy. After all, a moment of peace to style my hair feels worth it—even if it means indulging in chocolate. -
Hair Management
That carefully curated hairstyle? For me, it’s often just a messy bun—trendy, right? Most days, it’s greasy, but that’s where dry shampoo comes in. The rare occasion I actually style my hair leads to comments like, “Did you get a haircut?” Nope, just finally showered. -
Hygiene and Cleanliness
Taking a shower can feel like a Herculean task. Should I wake up at 4:45 a.m., use dry shampoo, or shower with my kids who monopolize the water and fight over positions? Their innocent questions about my body parts? No, thank you. Bun day three it is, complete with extra deodorant. -
Caffeine Dependency
For coffee enthusiasts, early mornings can mean a caffeine fix is just within reach. But when I skip my morning cup, the headache that follows is a struggle. Spilled coffee on my attire adds to the chaos—who wants to be that person with coffee breath at work? -
Screen Time Monitoring
By 7 a.m., my kids often hit their daily screen time limits, thanks to their early wake-up calls. While I’m tempted to let them zone out in front of a screen for a few more precious minutes of sleep, I must tread lightly. My daughter always insists I watch whatever she’s viewing, demanding my full attention. -
Casual Attire Realities
Casual Friday should be my time to blend in with the office crowd. Instead, I often find myself in jeans and a work-appropriate hoodie multiple times a week. Let’s be honest—who doesn’t enjoy a comfortable outfit that facilitates bun day three? -
Bribery for Extra Sleep
The lengths I’ll go for just one more minute of sleep are limitless. I’d offer my children anything from toys to treats if it meant they would sleep in. They don’t seem to understand the gravity of the situation, though. My attempts at negotiation, such as using a stoplight alarm clock, often fall flat. -
The Battle to Get Out of Bed
Getting out of bed is perhaps the most significant struggle. If I could just muster the will to rise, I might manage breakfast, personal grooming, and a semblance of order in the morning. Yet, the reality of early rising children often leaves me in denial about the need to get up. -
Persistent Denial
The most challenging aspect of being a working mom with early risers is acknowledging my denial. Others suggest going to bed earlier, but the reality is that I crave some personal time after the kids are asleep. Thus, the cycle of staying up late and waking early continues.
To all the working mothers navigating the challenges posed by early rising children, I wish you luck. May you find moments of peace and the occasional opportunity to look and feel like the working professional you are.
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Summary:
Working mothers with early risers face numerous challenges, from managing breakfast and personal hygiene to navigating screen time and casual attire. The struggle to balance their professional lives while dealing with sleep deprivation and denial about their children’s early wake-up times highlights the complexities of motherhood.