Four years ago, I made the decision to eliminate carbonated drinks from my diet during Lent. In my quest for a healthier alternative, I found myself ordering coffee from a fast-food chain on my way to work, embellishing it with generous amounts of cream and sugar. I opted for the largest size available and gulped it down in haste. That inexpensive coffee served as a much-needed boost as I stepped into the office. Eventually, I graduated to more refined coffee choices, but that is a tale for another time.
It is essential to convey that coffee has transformed into my ally, my indulgence, and my passion; most importantly, it has become crucial to my survival as a parent. I rely on it heavily. Without coffee, I find myself struggling. If you’re a parent of a young child, you likely share this dependency.
In the wake of my son’s arrival, coffee evolved into an integral part of my daily routine.
“Daddy!” my son exclaimed this morning, his voice breaking the silence of dawn. My eyes struggled to adjust in the dim light of the room. He sat upright in his bed, pointing and calling my name repeatedly. I could have used a few extra hours of rest, but that was not an option. He was awake, which meant so was I. The clock read 5:30 a.m., and I was in dire need of coffee.
Before I fully rise, I whisper my daily prayer: “God, grant me the coffee necessary to keep my toddler safe, the endurance to navigate this day, and the wisdom to ask for more coffee. Amen.”
I find comfort in this ritual, and I certainly require both divine assistance and caffeine to support me through the challenges of parenting. Let me reiterate: high-quality coffee is essential for those of us guiding toddlers through their daily adventures, especially when faced with unexpected moments, such as a toddler attempting to bite you.
Signs You Might Need Coffee
If you’re grappling with your need for caffeine, here are some signs that indicate it’s time for a cup of coffee:
- You inadvertently board a train going in the opposite direction.
- You mistakenly pour breast milk over your cereal.
- You take your dog outside and find yourself in the elevator holding a baby and a leash, but no dog.
- You struggle to recall simple words, like “fork,” mid-conversation.
- You find yourself standing in the grocery aisle, disoriented, with no recollection of what you intended to buy.
When life feels overwhelming, coffee becomes the go-to solution, a necessity for anyone responsible for the care of toddlers. Let me take you through our morning ritual, which I share with my son, Max.
Max and I begin our coffee preparation by disassembling the grinder and emptying any leftover grounds. I clean the apparatus and switch on the scale, pressing the tare button. I measure out 26 grams of coffee beans and let Max add them to the grinder. As the beans are ground to a fine powder, Max, my little sidekick, eagerly points at the kettle. We fill it with filtered water and place it on the stove over high heat.
The best part follows; I remove the tray with the fresh grounds and inhale deeply. Max mimics me and takes a big whiff, exclaiming, “The Force is strong with you, but you’re not a Jedi yet,” to keep him humble.
As steam escapes from the kettle, I grab it and pour water into a funnel positioned over a glass coffee pot. I saturate the grounds, watching as a mushroom-shaped bubble forms and collapses. Now, I slowly pour 400 grams of water in a circular motion. This meticulous process, as my partner often notes, borders on obsession. The steaming coffee filters through, dripping into the pot. As I await the final product, Max grows impatient. “Patience is a virtue, my young Padawan,” I remind him.
I find myself drinking coffee at various times throughout the day: at 5:30 a.m., during mid-morning, while watching children’s shows, and whenever I feel my energy waning. On particularly challenging days, I fantasize about an IV drip of coffee, a thought shared by many parents navigating the demands of toddler care.
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In summary, coffee has become a vital part of parenting for many, especially for those with young children. The morning ritual of preparing coffee is not only a necessity but also a moment of bonding between parent and child. Whether you’re navigating the chaos of toddlerhood or simply savoring the aroma of freshly ground coffee, it’s clear that caffeine plays a crucial role in the daily lives of parents.