As a pediatrician, I’ve seen it all: the frantic parents juggling multiple responsibilities, desperately trying to arrive on time. You’ve likely tried every possible strategy—laying out outfits the night before, packing bags, and prepping snacks—all to no avail. You’ve even set your alarm for an ungodly hour, hoping to sneak in some quiet time before the chaos begins. Yet, time and again, you find yourself texting, “Running late! Sorry, I’ll be there soon.”
Take a moment to breathe. It’s perfectly okay. You’re not alone in this late parade; countless parents are just like you, navigating the unpredictable nature of family life.
Before I became a parent, I adhered to a strict “arrive 15 minutes early” philosophy. Sure, I had my moments of indecision about what to wear, but for the most part, punctuality was my middle name. Fast forward to the present, and I find myself perpetually behind schedule.
What happened? Becoming a parent seems to have reset my internal clock. It’s not that I’m lazy or disorganized; life simply throws curveballs that can derail even the best-laid plans. From a toddler who has decided that today is the day to have a meltdown over shoes to a partner who can’t find their wallet two inches from its usual spot—these moments add up.
Just the other day, I woke up to find my kitchen overrun by fruit flies. Determined not to let this setback ruin my day, I pushed through, only to discover a bag of rotten potatoes in the process. Ten minutes later, I was out the door, but guess what? I was still 30 minutes late.
This scenario is all too familiar for many parents. Perhaps you’re held up by a neighbor who wants to discuss their dog’s anxiety issues—or maybe it’s an unexpected family crisis. These situations happen. So why do we feel guilty about being late?
Let’s put an end to that guilt right now. Moms are late because we genuinely care. We want our children to look presentable, we aim to contribute something meaningful to gatherings, and we simply don’t want to be impolite to those around us. We’re not lounging on the couch; we’re in a constant race against time.
As a mom, I want to extend a heartfelt apology: “I’m sorry, but I’m doing my best.” Unfortunately, life frequently interferes with our timelines. So when you receive that text saying, “On my way!! :-)”, know that we’ll eventually arrive, even if it takes a bit longer.
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In summary, let’s stop the guilt associated with being late. Life is messy and unpredictable, especially for moms. Embrace the chaos and remember that your intentions are what truly matter.