Whether through online articles, television shows, or movies, working mothers are depicted in various ways. While these portrayals can be humorous, insightful, or even moving, they often rely on the same old clichés – that we’re all overwhelmed, guilt-ridden, and perpetually exhausted. While there’s some truth to these images, they certainly don’t represent every working mother. Here are five realities that highlight the nuances of being a working mom:
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No Guilt About Working
I don’t feel guilty for going to work; my guilt comes from the little things, like serving my son cold cereal for breakfast or letting him binge-watch cartoons. When I first dropped him off at daycare, I braced myself for the wave of guilt. Instead, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief, knowing he was in capable hands. Now that he’s a toddler, I cherish the confidence he gains from his time away. Sure, he might cry during drop-off, but sometimes he doesn’t want to come home, which is a win in my book! -
Spit-Up-Free Zone
When will Hollywood retire the cliché of moms returning to work with spit-up on their clothes? I expected that would be my reality when I headed back after maternity leave. While I have encountered snot on my pants and a stray cracker or two in my bag, I’ve never had spit-up on my shoulder. Can we please retire that stereotype? -
Respect for Stay-at-Home Moms
There’s this ridiculous notion that working moms and stay-at-home moms are at odds, making it hard to offer genuine compliments without sounding patronizing. I’ll admit, I once thought that staying home with a child was a walk in the park. But after having my son, I learned that caring for him is exhausting and requires a ton of emotional energy. While my work isn’t a vacation, it does provide a necessary mental break. So when I say I respect stay-at-home moms, I mean it. It’s like I’m tipping my hat to those who serve in the military – you’re doing a job I truly admire and wouldn’t be able to handle. -
Voicemail is My Friend
In the early days of daycare, I would jump at my phone whenever it rang, fearing the worst. Thankfully, every call started with, “It’s not an emergency, but…” and usually involved lost items or minor mishaps. Sure, I’ve had to leave work early for legitimate reasons, but I learned that daycare workers will always leave a message for anything serious. As long as I check my voicemail regularly, I can keep my workday relatively uninterrupted. -
The Best Part of My Day
Picking up my son from daycare is the highlight of my daily routine. I like to peek through the classroom window before I enter, watching him engage in various activities. When our eyes meet, he runs to me with a huge smile or, even better, he takes my hand and shows me something he’s excited about. It fills my heart with joy to witness his little life outside of our home, and I love that he wants to share those moments with me.
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Summary
Being a working mother is full of unique experiences that defy common stereotypes. From lacking guilt about work to respecting stay-at-home moms, these realities shed light on the multifaceted nature of motherhood while navigating a career.