Updated: April 19, 2023
Originally Published: April 19, 2023
Parenting can be an exhausting endeavor. Have you ever noticed how your demeanor as a parent shifts dramatically as the day progresses? It often feels like I start the day brimming with energy—armed with plans and optimism—but by afternoon, I’m just trying to survive. My aspirations for my child seem to diminish after lunch, as if a switch is flipped around 2 p.m.
Morning Parent:
Enthusiastically outlines a day filled with enriching activities. A sensory play area? A stroll through the botanical gardens for an educational nature exploration? Volunteering at a local charity? Perhaps even a fun-filled culinary journey exploring global cuisines, complete with intriguing facts about each destination. So educational!
Afternoon Parent:
Is this organic cereal considered enriching?
Morning Parent:
Exudes patience and understanding during diaper changes, interpreting her child’s cries as a deep expression of vulnerability. She reassures him, “It’s okay, sweetheart. Mommy understands. You’re feeling frustrated, but you’re safe.” She embraces the beauty of emotional expression, even when it means dodging tiny feet.
Afternoon Parent:
Peeks at the diaper. “Looks fine to me, keep chewing on that lamp cord.” As she glances at the oven clock, she wonders if it’s too early for a drink.
Morning Parent:
Sticks to a tight schedule. “Baby is napping now, so I’ll tidy up the toys, sterilize bottles, shower, and prepare fresh baby food. If she sleeps longer, I can whip up some pasta sauce and sneak in a quick workout!”
Afternoon Parent:
Sits on the bed, watching the monitor as the baby yanks at the nursery decor. “Just go to sleep!” she whispers in desperation, tugging at her hair.
Morning Parent:
Follows the belief that looking good translates to feeling good. She styles her hair into a deliberately messy bun, applies a bit of foundation, glosses her lips, and curls her lashes. “I’ve got this!” she thinks, sporting athleisure that is somewhat coordinated. Although her leggings are a bit too snug, she manages to squeeze into them. “Thigh gap? What’s that?” she muses, feeling confident in her new teething jewelry.
Afternoon Parent:
By lunchtime, her top bun has sagged, and by 3 p.m., it’s become a limp knot at the back of her neck. A sticky baby hand glides down her cheek while the other plays with her shirt. Crushed Cheerios cling to her feet as she heads to the nursery for yet another diaper change. Amid the chaos, she swipes some organic diaper balm onto her chapped lips. Her phone rings—it’s Grandma wanting to FaceTime. “I put on makeup this morning!” she thinks, trying to salvage her appearance.
Morning Parent:
Anxiously checks her Wonder Weeks app, planning activities based on her child’s developmental milestones. She emails her partner, “He’s not waving yet; we should consult the pediatrician.” Worry swirls in her mind as she communicates with her child like a frantic mime for the next hour.
Afternoon Parent:
Just needs fresh air. On a walk, she encounters a high school acquaintance who seems surprised to see her. “Great, my kid didn’t wave back,” she thinks. “I never really liked her anyway.”
Despite the challenges, we adore our children and strive to be the best parents we can be. Mornings brim with possibilities, but as the day unfolds—between diaper changes, feedings, and various tasks—the energy seems to deplete. By the afternoon, I morph into Afternoon Parent—the less cheerful, less motivated version of my morning self. Perhaps we need a new approach: Afternoon Parents—fully rejuvenated versions of ourselves by 2 p.m.
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In summary, the transition from Morning Parent to Afternoon Parent showcases the fluctuating nature of parenting energy and expectations. While mornings are filled with enthusiasm, afternoons often reveal a more exhausted reality. Embracing this duality can help us navigate the demands of parenthood with humor and resilience.
Keyphrase: Morning Parent vs. Afternoon Parent
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