By: Emma Thompson
Updated: Aug. 26, 2019
Originally Published: Feb. 24, 2016
During a candid conversation with a friend, who held a prestigious position at an advertising agency, I gained a unique perspective on our daily lives. While I was a stay-at-home mother, he proudly carried a title that sounded impressive: “Director of Creative Branded Cross-Advertorial Synergistic Relationships.” Curious about his daily activities, I asked him to elaborate.
“I direct creative branded cross-advertorial synergistic relationships,” he responded.
“What does that mean in practical terms?” I probed.
“I facilitate creative branded cross-advertorial synergistic relationships,” he reiterated, slightly frustrated.
“Okay, but what do you do from the time you arrive at the office until 6 p.m.?” I asked, as if explaining to a child.
“I send emails,” he admitted. “What about you?”
“I wipe things,” I replied.
Motherhood encompasses various roles: homemaker, domestic engineer, working mother, full-time caretaker, stay-at-home mom, or work-at-home mom. Regardless of the label, the core responsibilities of motherhood often boil down to a considerable amount of cleaning.
To be candid, it’s not solely about wiping. My day includes scraping, scrubbing, folding, and sweeping. In essence, my role can often feel like that of a cleaning professional, which is challenging because cleaning is not my favorite pastime. Tasks that require constant repetition—like washing dishes or doing laundry—are particularly disheartening. Sometimes, as I stand in the shower, I find myself thinking, “Didn’t I just do this yesterday?”
Experiencing motherhood brings numerous surprises: the pain of childbirth, high costs of childcare, and the unsolicited advice about dressing your baby appropriately, even when the temperature is mild. However, the most startling reality, which no one prepared me for, was the sheer volume of cleaning that escalates dramatically after having a child.
In our pre-kid life, my partner and I approached chores casually; we would wash a few plates each evening and vacuum sporadically. But with children in the mix, a single meal leaves our kitchen resembling a war zone. After breakfast, it appears as though a battle was fought with toast crusts as the weapon of choice. Jam seems to find its way to every corner of the room, and we go through an astonishing number of dishes and utensils.
The dirty dishes create a continuous cycle of chaos. In those early days of being a stay-at-home mom, I would joke with my husband, “You know who Sisyphus’ wife was? Dishyphus. While he was busy with his rock, she was home battling the remnants of breakfast.” This often led me to tears, prompting my husband to suggest reevaluating our household responsibilities.
Yet, even with both parents dedicated to managing the household, the workload is relentless. It takes almost all day, every day, to address the messes our children create. Whether it’s tiny paper scraps strewn about or the unfortunate incident of marker on the door, the chaos is relentless.
When I think of the state of my home, I often wish that hospitals would equip new mothers with microfiber cloths, rags, and paper towels upon discharge. They should also provide a housekeeping tutorial. “Prepare yourself,” they might say, “Breastfeeding and diaper changes are temporary; however, the need to clean? That’s a lifelong commitment.”
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In summary, motherhood comes with its fair share of unexpected responsibilities, particularly when it comes to maintaining a clean home. The journey is filled with challenges that require adaptability and resilience, but understanding these realities can help prepare new mothers for what lies ahead.
Keyphrase: The challenges of motherhood
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