By: Aaliyah Thompson
Date: Feb. 18, 2023
My little boy has become so accustomed to hearing me say “Mommy’s busy” that he has started using it himself, even when I’m not particularly swamped. While I often tackle my work on my phone, he understands that pulling out my laptop signals serious business.
I genuinely feel guilty when I have to utter the phrase “Mommy’s busy” because I’m racing against a deadline. He didn’t choose to enter this whirlwind of my life, but he is also the motivation behind my commitment to work from home (or the park, library, or any place I can). Being actively present in his upbringing has always been my top priority.
As a single mom, the situation is intricate. I began my journey as a babysitter, a role I still maintain, bringing my son along with me. Although I didn’t exactly work from home in the traditional sense, I considered myself a work-from-home mom. My rationale was twofold: I wanted to be there to nurture my son, and the exorbitant cost of childcare pushed me to explore alternatives.
Initially, the high expenses of childcare prompted me to seriously consider working from home. When my son was born, his father and I were still together, but he had long working hours. I realized that if I worked outside the home, my paycheck would merely cover someone else looking after my child—a financial dead end.
This realization led me to seek out work-from-home opportunities. I stumbled upon freelance writing positions online, something I had always thought wasn’t an option for me. Discovering the world of freelance writing opened doors I never anticipated.
As a babysitter, I adhered to a strict schedule to make ends meet, which didn’t leave much room for spontaneity or fun activities like visiting the playground or children’s museum. Transitioning to freelance work allowed me to be more present for my son, easing our hectic schedule. My smartphone became a crucial tool; I could jot down thoughts or even write full articles while enjoying quality time together. This newfound freedom was liberating for both of us.
However, there are moments when I need to concentrate deeply, and that’s when the challenges arise. When facing tight deadlines or complex research tasks, I often resort to creative distractions for him, such as giving him a tablet or turning on a show.
Though he plays independently during parts of the day, he has a knack for finding me and demanding my attention for playtime or singing sessions. For toddlers, attention is akin to oxygen. Sometimes he understands that I’m working—hence his mantra “Mommy’s busy”—but more often than not, he will do whatever it takes to pull me back into his world.
Time management remains the most significant hurdle for me as a work-at-home mom. The work-life balance is challenging for any working parent, but being at home adds another layer that often feels insurmountable. There never seem to be enough hours in the day. Occasionally, I must prioritize work over his needs because we need income to cover essentials, and sometimes I cannot fulfill my obligations from the playground.
Once, on a particularly lovely day, my sister suggested I take my son to the park. While I longed to go, I was engrossed in a project with a looming deadline. “Can’t you just write later?” she asked. I had to explain, “My editor doesn’t care about the sunshine today.”
I often write during nap times and late into the night after he falls asleep (or when I can finally calm him down), fueled by Cherry Coke and junk food to stay awake. It’s undoubtedly not easy, and it might not suit everyone, but I am immensely grateful for the opportunity. I cherish the moments spent with my son and the memories we create together. In a few years, when he is older and off with friends, I will reflect fondly on our adventures, the two of us against the world. I have no regrets about those late nights spent typing or the times I had to retreat to my room because “Mommy’s busy.” The sacrifices are worth it.
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Summary
In the journey of motherhood, being a work-at-home mom presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to balancing career demands with parenting. The author shares her experience of navigating deadlines while striving to be present for her son, highlighting the creative solutions and sacrifices involved. Ultimately, she finds fulfillment in the precious moments shared with her child, despite the chaos of daily life.
Keyphrase: work-at-home mom
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