I recently took my two-month-old daughter to a local charity event aimed at supporting women. My three-year-old son stayed at home, allowing me to engage in meaningful conversations with other adults present. During one such discussion, a woman suggested that I should speak at an upcoming meeting for a local mothers’ group. Given my background, this didn’t surprise me, as I often participate in such events. When I inquired about the topic, I anticipated discussing my areas of expertise: speech and language, feeding therapy, or literacy. But then she threw me a curveball, suggesting, “Why not share your insights on transitioning to being a mother of two?”
Initially, I thought, “I can’t lead that seminar; I’m the one who needs guidance!” A wave of disbelief hit me as I realized others perceive me as managing this chaos well enough to help them. As I drove home with my sleeping daughter, I pondered how this perception could exist. On the surface, it might seem like I have it all together: I’m the mom who turns my child’s meals into fun shapes and engages in DIY projects like sensory bins. My son actually eats fruits and vegetables daily, and we read together every evening. I’ve even managed to release three new children’s books this year.
However, let’s clear the air. In reality, since my daughter was born, I’ve forgotten to pay four bills—hello, late fees! The stress from juggling two children and two part-time jobs often brings me to tears a couple of times a week. I sometimes feel like I’m doing everything half-heartedly, barely meeting work deadlines. While I’m grateful for the opportunity to breastfeed both my kids, the stress of cleaning and packing pump parts multiple times a day at work is overwhelming. And let’s not forget the necessity of bringing a gallon of water and snacks each day because I’m constantly starving.
On particularly challenging days, I’ve found myself hiding from the kids to enjoy whipped cream straight from the can—sometimes while crying, sometimes not, depending on how tough the day has been.
So here’s the truth: if you see a seemingly “put-together” mom, perhaps even one organized enough to speak at a seminar, know that she likely has her own coping mechanisms—whether it’s indulging in whipped cream or something else entirely. The reality is that no one seamlessly manages the transition to being a mother of two.
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In summary, motherhood, especially with two kids while juggling a career, is an intricate dance of chaos and occasional triumphs. It’s essential to acknowledge that behind every seemingly composed mom, there’s often a whirlwind of challenges and coping strategies that might just include a can of whipped cream.