Over the past few years, I’ve been fortunate to form wonderful friendships with fellow moms, and I cherish the connections I maintain with my long-time friends, many of whom are navigating motherhood as well. I also have a remarkable family of strong women and sisters who excel in their roles as mothers. So, as I take this moment to share my thoughts, I hope you’ll understand, especially since many of you have likely experienced the same challenges.
I apologize if it seems like I’m not fully present when we talk. I assure you, I am listening. However, I’m also tuning in to the sounds of children crying in the background—children that aren’t even mine. My little one is often in the midst of “sharing” toys, which really means he’s claiming them back from another child. The mind of a toddler is an enigma; the most desirable toy is always the one someone else is playing with, right?
I’m sorry if I’m speaking to you without maintaining eye contact. I can see you! I’m just simultaneously using my peripheral vision to ensure my toddler hasn’t turned the coffee shop into his personal playground, contemplating a daring leap onto his peacefully napping sibling in the stroller.
I apologize if my conversation is frequently interrupted with “Oi, where did you wander off to, you little rascal!?” I’ll get to the point eventually—I promise. I’m also engaged in a round of “where’s the toddler?” as he plays hide-and-seek without informing me, leading to a few heart-stopping moments as he giggles from inside a box.
I’m sorry if I suddenly dash across the room while you’re sharing your day. I genuinely care about what you’re saying. I’m simply trying to instill good behavior in my little one, teaching him to treat others with respect. This means dragging him back to apologize to a child he upset while pretending to be a dinosaur—he’s still learning that not everyone shares his fascination with prehistoric creatures.
I apologize if I miss your call or take ages to respond to your messages. Your calls matter to me. It’s just that in that fleeting moment, my baby has decided to have a literal meltdown—one that involves a mess of epic proportions, leaving both ends compromised. At just five months old, he has an uncanny awareness of his new outfit and the potential stains from his last meal.
I regret that you can see I’ve read your message but haven’t had the chance to reply. I will get to it; it’s already written in my mind. Yet, my phone seems to be a magnet for both of my kids, who are intent on using it for YouTube videos instead of letting me respond.
To all my friends reading this—I’m truly sorry. I’m striving to be a good friend while also trying to be the best mom I can be (and keep my kids safe!). As women, we are incredible multitaskers, but sometimes it feels overwhelming. Perhaps in a decade, we’ll finally have the luxury of a peaceful coffee date to chat about ourselves, our homes, and our latest finds.
But who am I kidding? It’ll probably turn into a night of sharing a few bottles of wine while discussing our kids—standard fare for us!
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In summary, I apologize for not being the friend I strive to be. I juggle the demands of friendship and motherhood, often feeling like I’m falling short. However, I remain committed to nurturing both my friendships and my family, hoping for moments of connection amidst the chaos.