Dear Amazing Working Mom,
I genuinely marvel at how you manage everything.
We’ve all chuckled at that infamous BBC interview where a dad was interrupted by his toddler and baby during a serious discussion about South Korea’s democracy. It became an iconic moment—until a friend shared a humorous take on what it would look like if a working mom found herself in the same situation. The laughter was real because it felt so relatable.
But, honestly, the reality of your day-to-day life isn’t a laughing matter.
How do you rise each morning, not only getting your little ones ready for the day but also managing to look polished yourself? Hair done, makeup applied, outfits that steer clear of the activewear realm—oh, and don’t forget those grown-up shoes! Somehow, you pull it off.
You juggle making breakfast, packing lunches, and convincing little ones to eat, all while mentally gearing up for the challenges awaiting you at work. How do you navigate the chaotic school drop-off, ensuring that “one last kiss” is delivered, then dash across town to your job—arriving on time, no less? It’s a feat!
I can’t fathom how you balance meetings, last-minute pediatrician visits, sick children, conference calls, and the bemused looks from those who might not understand when you need to clock out at 5 p.m. (You know the type: “Oh, taking a half-day today?”). But somehow, you manage it all.
You keep track of permission slips that need signing, birthday gifts that must be bought and wrapped, all while crafting a PowerPoint presentation for an important meeting. How do you transition from your workday into home life, where dinner awaits, and you must coax your kids to share about their day? You smile through the bittersweet moments of missed time, admire their artwork, oversee homework, and play referee in skirmishes. You kiss boo-boos, supervise bath time, read bedtime stories, and once the lights go out, the household duties await: ensuring uniforms are clean, sorting through mail, and carving out quality time with your partner.
I truly don’t know how you do it, but you do.
Working moms, you are the true unsung champions, the real feminists, and the steadfast warriors. Much of your hard work goes unrecognized because you make it seem effortless. You give your children the unwavering assurance that they are your priority, all while scaling the corporate ladder and paving the way for others.
I’ve heard that some women can be judgmental of each other—stay-at-home moms versus those who prioritize their careers. However, in my experience, there’s no room for judgment here. Regardless of the path we choose, there’s often an underlying sense of regret or guilt. Those staying home may feel remorse over stalled careers, while working moms grapple with feelings of being torn between responsibilities.
It’s often said that it takes a village to raise children, and while working moms may have teams supporting them, when the going gets tough, you’re still “Mommy.” You’re the one ensuring schedules run smoothly and that life doesn’t unravel. You deserve immense credit for handling what seems like an impossible task, regardless of the assistance you receive.
From my perspective, I simply want to express my gratitude: Thank you, working mom. Thank you for tackling the toughest job on the planet and making it appear seamless. Thank you for brushing off judgments from those who don’t understand, because you have too much on your plate to worry about that. Thank you for leaving meetings early to be there for your kids, disregarding the sighs from those who will eventually get it.
Every day, you’re helping to normalize the work-life balance for parents, even if it sometimes comes at the expense of your own pride. Thank you for showing us the importance of preserving who we were before children, even as we evolve.
Thank you for holding the door open for those of us who may return to the workforce later, ensuring the path is clear and safe for us.
I don’t know how you do it all, but truly, thank you. You are a hero in my eyes.
With appreciation,
A Grateful Mom