Four years ago, during Lent, I decided to give up sugary sodas. In my quest for a healthier beverage, I found myself ordering coffee from a local café on my way to work. Initially, I indulged in large cups loaded with cream and sugar. That cheap brew was enough to jolt me through the doors of my clinic. Over time, my palate evolved, but that’s a tale for another day.
I must confess: coffee has transformed into a close companion—an addiction, a hobby, and ultimately, a lifeline that prevents me from losing my sanity as a parent. It’s essential. I rely on it. Without my morning cup, I’m a tangled mess. If you’re a parent of a young child, you likely understand my need for this liquid energy.
After the arrival of my daughter, Mia, coffee became integral to my daily routine. Just this morning, her little voice called out, “Mama!” as the sun barely graced the horizon. My eyes struggled to adjust to the dim light, but there she was, sitting up in her crib like a vigilant little owl. I desperately wished for a few more minutes of sleep, but that was never going to happen. She was awake, and so was I. The clock read 5:30 a.m.—time for coffee.
So, before I rise, I offer a silent plea:
“Dear God, grant me the coffee I need to keep my daughter safe, the strength to navigate today’s challenges, and the wisdom to brew more coffee as needed. Amen.”
We all need that divine assistance and a solid cup of coffee, especially when you face a toddler tantrum that feels like a scene from a horror film. If you’re in the same boat, let me provide a few scenarios that highlight the necessity of coffee for sleep-deprived parents:
- You find yourself on the wrong subway train, again.
- You accidentally pour formula into your cereal.
- You attempt to take your dog out but end up in the elevator with your child and the dog’s leash—sans dog.
- Mid-conversation, you struggle to recall a simple word like “spoon.”
- You’re dazed in the grocery store, only to snap back to reality with no recollection of what you were searching for.
When life feels overwhelming, coffee is your best ally. It’s crucial for those of us tasked with supervising little ones. Here’s a glimpse of our morning coffee ritual (yes, it’s a shared endeavor, as Mia loves to help).
Mia and I start by disassembling the coffee grinder and clearing out any old grounds. I clean it thoroughly, and then I weigh out 26 grams of fresh coffee beans, allowing Mia to assist in pouring them in. As the grinder whirs and the rich aroma fills the air, I can’t help but inhale deeply. Mia joins in, mimicking my actions, and shouts, “Coffee power!”
With our kettle filled with filtered water, I place it on the stove, eagerly waiting for it to boil. The moment of pouring is the highlight; I carefully saturate the grounds and watch as the magic unfolds. It’s a small ritual that grounds me amidst the chaos of parenting.
Throughout the day, my coffee consumption continues: at 5:30 a.m., during morning cartoons, and whenever I feel my energy wane. On particularly demanding days, I dream of an IV drip filled with coffee—an idea I’m sure many parents can relate to.
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Summary:
Navigating the challenges of parenting while relying on coffee is a shared experience among many parents. This article highlights the importance of coffee in daily routines, especially for those with young children, and outlines relatable scenarios that underscore the need for caffeine.