As I rush into preschool to drop off my daughter, Mia, I’m frantically trying to get her to smooth down her hair for the hundredth time while reminding her not to share her enthusiasm for public farting with her teachers and classmates. (“Mommy, I just tooted!”) Once in the classroom, I assist her in washing her hands and getting her settled for breakfast.
That’s when reality hits: the truth that “having it all” can sometimes feel overwhelming. Mia’s teacher gently reminds me that we haven’t submitted her baby photo for a group project yet. I assure her (and promptly text my husband a reminder in ALL CAPS) that we’ll get it done today.
As I exit the classroom, I encounter “that” mom—the one who seems to glide through life with an effortless hippie vibe, her younger child comfortably strapped to her and her older one calmly beside her. She asks when I’ll be attending the next Parent Meeting or if I can help out with an upcoming field trip.
In that moment, I can’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. As a full-time working mom holding an executive position in a Fortune 500 company, where I manage public relations for an entire region, my schedule is packed with non-stop meetings, events, business trips, and commitments to nonprofit boards.
But here’s the truth: I genuinely enjoy my career (yes, I said it! Cue the gasps!). Working fulfills me, and I’ve known since the beginning of my maternity leave that being a stay-at-home mom wasn’t for me. I admire those who thrive in that role, but that’s not my path, and I’ve come to terms with it. I embrace my multiple identities: mom, wife, friend, communications expert, wine enthusiast, and a coffee-driven individual—and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
When I do find moments for myself, I prioritize family time, date nights with my partner, or indulging in some self-care. Yes, it can be tough when work commitments mean I miss significant milestones, like Mia’s first school trip to the animal shelter. And yes, it’s hard to receive updates from our nanny about my youngest daughter, Zoe, reaching new developmental milestones during my workday. Yet, these moments feel even more precious because I can appreciate them from a distance.
I want my daughters to understand that they can indeed pursue their dreams, achieve their goals, and build a family simultaneously. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards are plentiful.
At a recent Career Day at Mia’s preschool, she wore a shirt emblazoned with my company’s logo and proudly declared that she wanted to grow up to be “just like Mommy.” She excitedly shared with her classmates about my job and how I get to meet famous athletes. These are the moments that make the daily struggle of “having it all” worthwhile. I know my girls see me as a role model, understanding that they, too, can achieve anything they aspire to.
If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination and family planning, check out this resource for helpful kits or this one for further insights. Additionally, March of Dimes provides excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, while balancing family and work can be challenging, it is the moments of joy and fulfillment that make it all worthwhile. My hope is that my daughters grow up knowing they have the power to achieve their dreams, whatever they may be.
Keyphrase: Balancing Work and Family
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]