In the realm of working motherhood, few experiences are as universally challenging as managing life with early-rising children. I often observe my colleague, Sophia, who appears effortlessly polished every day—her attire immaculate, her hair perfectly styled, and she never seems to succumb to the “casual Friday” phenomenon. Meanwhile, I struggle to resist the allure of casual wear, often giving in. I could comfort myself with the notion that she must be childless, yet I know she isn’t.
I fantasize about the day when I can prepare for work without the chaos of children clamoring for attention, crying over trivial matters, or invading my personal space. Until that day arrives, here are some authentic struggles that I, along with other working moms of early risers, face:
1. Breakfast Dilemmas
One might assume that being awakened at 5 a.m. by children would afford ample time to prepare a nutritious breakfast. However, with the knowledge that they will be fed at daycare, I often skip making a proper meal. Instead, I resort to snacks like crackers, nutrition bars, and the occasional chocolate treat—anything to save precious moments for getting ready. After all, five minutes spent on breakfast is five minutes lost in the battle for personal grooming.
2. Hair Management
Achieving that “just right” look often translates to a messy bun, which I proudly wear two or three days in a row. Trendy as it may be, the greasy look is concealed by dry shampoo, and on the rare occasion I style my hair, I’m met with inquiries like, “Did you get a haircut?” No, I just managed to shower.
3. Personal Hygiene
The prospect of showering can be daunting. Should I wake up at the crack of dawn, or can I squeeze in a quick rinse with my little ones? The latter often leads to chaos, with my children monopolizing the water while engaging in curious conversations about body parts. As appealing as a refreshing shower sounds, bun day three it is, paired with an extra dose of deodorant.
4. Caffeine Dependency and Breath
For caffeine enthusiasts, the need for coffee often feels like a blessing rather than a burden. However, the struggle arises when I forget my morning cup, spill it, or suffer the consequences of coffee breath. No one wants to be “that” employee, but with early risers, the choice seems worth it. Mints become my best friend amidst wary co-workers!
5. Screen Time Monitoring
By 7 a.m., my kids have often exhausted their daily screen time limits. With both of them rising at the crack of dawn, TV or iPad time becomes a necessity for me to catch just a few more minutes of sleep. Yet, I must be cautious not to breathe too loudly, lest my 4-year-old demands my full attention to whatever show she’s watching.
6. Casual Dress Code
Ah, casual Friday—the one day I can blend in with my colleagues. However, for me, it often turns into casual Monday through Thursday as well. Jeans, a work-branded hoodie, and my trusty tennies become my go-to attire, as does my messy bun. I hold onto the hope that one day I’ll present myself as a polished professional, but for now, it’s casual every day!
7. Bribery Tactics
Desperate for an extra minute of sleep, I find myself resorting to bribery. I’d offer my kids anything—a toy, a treat, or even a trip to the movies—if only they would sleep in just a little longer. Unfortunately, my attempts to negotiate sleep often fall flat, leaving me with no choice but to employ shameful tactics to regain some peace.
8. The Challenge of Leaving Bed
The most significant hurdle lies in simply getting out of bed. If I could conquer this one struggle, I might find the time to make breakfast, groom myself, shower, and dress like a professional. Yet, the comfort of my sheets is often too enticing, leading me to deny the reality that my children will wake early.
9. Endless Denial
Perhaps the most profound struggle for working mothers with early risers is denial. The well-meaning advice to simply go to bed earlier is tempting, but the reality is that I crave my alone time after the kids are asleep. This leads to a cycle of late nights and early mornings, leaving me perpetually exhausted.
In conclusion, I extend my sympathies to all working moms navigating the trials of early-rising children. Here’s to the relentless pursuit of sleep and the daily negotiations with little ones!
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