Every morning, as I begin to emerge from sleep, an incessant electronic ticker starts to roll behind my eyelids. It’s a never-ending list of tasks that I must accomplish, commencing with the urgent need to lift my screaming toddler from the crib, change a diaper, pour myself a much-needed cup of coffee, and prepare breakfast for the boys. Don’t forget to put on pants. And, of course, drink more coffee.
Then comes the mental checklist for getting ready for school: brushing teeth, packing lunches, and signing permission slips. Nestled in there are reminders for myself: shower, at least wash my face, pop in my contacts, and eat something. After the boys head off to school, another list kicks in: clean the kitchen, dress myself, and either pack my own bag or prepare for the day’s work at home. Even when I manage to settle into my work, the ticker continues: buy rain boots for my older son, think of dinner, and remember to take bags to Goodwill.
At times, I feel overwhelmed and wish I could silence my thoughts, or at least mute the to-do list, which feels like an incessant alarm ringing in my head. I find myself wandering around muttering reminders: pack a snack, call the pediatrician for flu shots, don’t forget deodorant, rotate the tires, and order Halloween supplies. Did I confirm the meeting? What’s for dinner? Is it dinnertime already?
Individuals who experience obsessive-compulsive disorder or anxiety often deal with “intrusive thoughts”—unwanted, recurring thoughts that can be distressing. While I don’t want to trivialize their experiences, my own to-do list can sometimes feel just as intrusive. It’s a constant companion, never allowing me a moment of peace. If I were to meet St. Peter, I’d likely ask for a moment to check off “get to Heaven” and jot down “research dining options in Heaven.”
Even when I consciously try to unwind, like settling down with a book in the evening instead of tackling another round of laundry or cleaning, the to-do list lingers on my shoulder. I might remind myself, “You’re reading, relax,” but there’s always that nagging sense that taking time for myself means even more tasks tomorrow.
Is this what motherhood entails? Will the to-do list ever diminish? Weekends typically begin with a new array of tasks (like “clear out the home office so we can actually work in there”) and end with the same number of items unresolved (“continue working on clearing out the home office”).
I sometimes wonder if my family is just particularly slow and inefficient, but it seems more likely that the sheer volume of responsibilities is simply overwhelming. Non-urgent repairs get postponed, and I still find myself wearing maternity clothes two years after giving birth because I haven’t had the time to shop. The constant influx of items—especially the kids’ clothes, which need regular management—feels like a full-time job in itself. Every few months, new clothing arrives while the old needs to be sorted, stored, or donated. Meal planning, shopping, and preparation can feel like an endless cycle, even with all the time-saving tips available (which, by the way, are another item on my to-do list: “learn to be a more efficient cook”). Tackling household tasks while watching the kids often proves unproductive, as every parent knows—just as I’m trying to tidy the office, my toddler is dismantling the printer.
Perhaps one day it will improve—when my children are older and require less constant attention. Maybe then I will finally be able to work efficiently in my home office. Perhaps someday I’ll be able to turn off this relentless to-do list.
For more information about navigating your journey to parenthood, you might find helpful resources such as this guide on couples’ fertility journeys. Additionally, you can explore this article on in vitro fertilization for useful insights into pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re considering home insemination, check out our post on using an artificial insemination kit.
In summary, the relentless to-do list is a common experience for many parents, often feeling overwhelming and intrusive. As we navigate our daily responsibilities, it’s essential to find moments of self-care and balance, even amidst the chaos.
Keyphrase: parenting to-do list
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