Four years ago, during the Lenten season, I made the decision to eliminate carbonated drinks from my diet. Seeking a healthier substitute, I stopped at a local coffee shop on my way to work, ordering the largest cup of coffee available, generously adding cream and sugar. This inexpensive brew served as my morning jolt, ushering me through the front door of my workplace. Eventually, my coffee journey led me to more refined options, but that’s a tale for another time.
It’s important to emphasize: coffee has evolved into my companion, my vice, and my hobby; ultimately, it helps me manage the chaos of parenting a toddler. I rely on it. I depend on it. Without my daily dose, I can easily become overwhelmed. If you’re a parent of a young child, chances are you might feel the same way.
After the arrival of my son, coffee transformed into an essential part of my everyday routine.
“Dad!” my son exclaimed this morning, his voice breaking through my fog of sleep. Blinking in the dim light, I saw him sitting upright in bed, pointing excitedly and calling my name. A sleep-in would be a luxury I could only dream about. He was awake, which meant I was awake. It was 5:30 a.m., and I was in desperate need of caffeine.
Before rising, I recite my morning prayer:
“God, grant me the coffee I need to keep my toddler son safe, the courage to navigate this day, and the wisdom to order more coffee. Amen.”
Indeed, I require both divine intervention and coffee to tackle the day ahead. If you’re parenting a small child, you too may want the Almighty and a strong cup of coffee on your side. High-octane coffee is crucial, especially when your toddler decides to express themselves by biting your leg like a playful puppy.
If you’re questioning your reliance on coffee, let me share some scenarios that may resonate with sleep-deprived parents:
- You find yourself boarding the subway, only to realize it’s headed in the opposite direction.
- You accidentally pour breastmilk over your cereal instead of milk.
- You take your dog outside for a bathroom break, only to realize you’re holding the leash with no dog in sight.
- You’re mid-conversation and can’t recall simple words like “fork.”
- You zone out in the grocery aisle and snap back to reality, unsure of what you were looking for.
When life feels overwhelming, coffee becomes your best ally. It’s an absolute necessity for those supervising toddlers. Let me detail our morning ritual (yes, I refer to it as our ritual because my son is very much involved).
My son, Leo, and I begin by dismantling the coffee grinder, clearing out any stale remnants. I clean it thoroughly, turn on the scale, and press the tare button. I measure out 26 grams of beans and let Leo pour them into the grinder. The beans transform into a fine powder, while Leo, my little assistant, eagerly points towards the kettle. We fill the kettle with filtered water and set it on the stove over high heat. My favorite part follows: I take the freshly ground coffee and hold it to my nose, inhaling deeply. Leo mimics me, and with great enthusiasm, he declares, “The Force is strong with you, young padawan!” I remind him to stay humble.
The kettle begins to whistle as steam escapes. I carefully pour the hot water over the grounds in a red funnel placed atop a glass pot. I pour just enough to wet the grounds, initiating a fascinating reaction where bubbles form and burst. Then, I pour an additional 400 grams of water in a slow, circular motion. This may be what my wife refers to as an obsession. The coffee brews, dripping into the pot. Our task is nearing completion, but Leo grows impatient. “Patience, my young Padawan,” I gently remind him.
I consume coffee at 5:30 a.m., mid-morning, during episodes of educational programs, and again in the afternoon when my energy dips. On particularly challenging days, I often fantasize about being hooked up to a coffee IV, and I know I’m not alone in this desire.
This article is an exploration of how coffee has become a cornerstone of my parenting experience. For those considering family planning and looking for resources on home insemination, visit Make A Mom’s Cryobaby. Additionally, Impregnator provides authoritative insights on the topic, while Healthline is an excellent resource for understanding pregnancy and home insemination options.
Summary:
Coffee has become an integral part of my parenting journey, helping me navigate the challenges of raising a toddler. From morning rituals to moments of chaos, coffee is a lifeline for many parents. If you’re considering family planning, resources on home insemination can be found at Make A Mom’s Cryobaby and Impregnator, while Healthline offers valuable information on pregnancy.
Keyphrase: Coffee and Parenting
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