Menu | Parenting
What Did I Accomplish Today?
by Sarah Thompson
Updated: Aug. 21, 2023
Originally Published: April 26, 2023
Just the other day, I found myself driving through a swirling snowstorm to school, clutching a pair of well-worn snow pants for my 9-year-old son, Ethan. It all started when the snow began to fall just as we left home. As we approached the drop-off line—don’t you just love that chaotic scene?—Ethan suddenly exclaimed, “Mom! I forgot my snow pants!” Naturally, he had no backup plan. I offered to rush home to grab them, but he shrugged it off, muttering, “It’s fine, Mom. I won’t go outside.”
But I couldn’t just leave it at that. After about 92 minutes of contemplating the rapidly accumulating snow, I made the decision to brave the unplowed roads, knowing that playing in the snow was a must, and he needed those pants.
Upon arriving at the school, I handed over the crucial gear to the front office. One of the staff asked, “What did your child forget this time?” Without thinking, I replied, “Isn’t this just what moms do?”
And it is, isn’t it? Each day can feel like a repeat of the last, filled with small, seemingly mundane tasks. We meticulously fold laundry, scrub crayon marks from the dryer, and wipe away muddy footprints. We print out pictures for school projects, help with science experiments, and listen to our kids share their latest locker stories. We cradle our babies, hold hands with toddlers, and prepare meals, packing lunches with cut-up fruits and snacks. We style hair, brush teeth, and read the same bedtime story countless times.
By the end of the day, you might find yourself wondering, “What on earth did I achieve today?” We often yearn for those monumental moments—like the time I impulsively decided to paint my bedroom furniture and walls, or the family trips to theme parks. However, in our quest for those grand experiences, we often overlook the everyday beauties that shape our journey as parents.
Take that trek to school with snow pants, for example. I’m sure you have your own moments, too. These are the small, yet profoundly beautiful instances that define motherhood—not because they are extraordinary, but because they are filled with love and intention. Nobody hands out awards for the sleepless nights spent comforting a child with an earache, or the patience it takes to coax a reluctant toddler into getting dressed.
There are no trophies for the times we advocate for our children in medical offices or for those fleeting moments spent coloring together. No one celebrates the countless car rides filled with laughter or the minor battles over screen time with a middle schooler. And yet, all those moments accumulate to create a rich tapestry of family life.
It’s natural to question your daily accomplishments and to measure your success against a never-ending to-do list. But remember: that list is merely a guideline, not a report card. Checking off every item doesn’t define your worth as a mother. True life unfolds in the little moments, in the margins of our busy schedules. It’s in those stolen five minutes of laughter while waiting for your child’s ride home from school.
You’re doing so much more than you give yourself credit for. So, when you find yourself asking, “What did I do all day?” take a moment to reflect. Write those small victories down. Embrace them. Your efforts are shaping lives, even if they seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
Ethan might not have thought much about those snow pants when they arrived—after all, what kid doesn’t love playing in fresh snow? But that’s the essence of motherhood, isn’t it? It’s all about the little sacrifices and moments that weave together to create a beautiful narrative of family life.
So, when you ponder what you’ve accomplished today, remember those seemingly ordinary moments. They are anything but ordinary; they are the heartbeat of motherhood.
If you’re interested in learning more about fertility options, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination. And for those looking into at-home insemination, Make a Mom offers reputable kits to get you started.
Summary:
In the whirlwind of daily motherhood, it’s easy to overlook the significance of small tasks and moments. From running errands in the snow to comforting children, these actions, though mundane, build the foundation of family life. Instead of measuring success by a to-do list, recognize the beauty in everyday moments that truly define your journey as a parent.
Leave a Reply