Parenting
By Jenna Thompson
Updated: Dec. 27, 2018
Originally Published: April 27, 2018
In the sweltering heat of an August day, while seven months pregnant with my second child, I found myself in a conference room for a client meeting. As I squeezed into a chair, I glanced down to discover three sweat marks adorning my belly and two Paw Patrol stickers strategically placed over my nipples—thanks to my son that morning. I laughed it off with the two fellow mothers present, but inside, I was panicking. If I couldn’t even remember to check for stickers on my dress as a mother of one, how on earth could I manage as a mom of two?
I turned to them and asked, “How do you manage to get it all done?” What I really wanted to know was how they were maintaining their sanity while juggling everything. Their responses were polite, yet none provided a solid answer. Fast forward two years, and I’m still a working mother with a full-time husband. My daily commute ranges from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, and with both kids in different daycares, I have multiple stops to make each day. Through trial and error, I’ve discovered my secret for managing the chaos: I don’t do it all.
In fact, I’ve made conscious choices to eliminate certain tasks from my life. Here’s how cutting out five specific chores has transformed my routine:
- Cooking
After years of attempting to get dinner on the table each night between 5 and 6 PM, I finally waved the white flag. My husband and I tried everything from bulk cooking on Sundays to meal delivery kits like Blue Apron, only to realize they still required lots of prep. Finally, I opted out of cooking entirely. I now use two meal delivery services that provide healthy dinners twice a week, which has been a game changer. When I factor in the time saved and the reduction in wasted groceries, it’s actually quite economical. - Running Errands
I no longer make trips to Target, Walmart, or the pharmacy. Everything from prescriptions to diapers is delivered right to my door. While some people thrive on running errands, I find it draining. I also skip the grocery store completely, relying on delivery services like Instacart for kids’ snacks and lunches. My husband enjoys shopping at Costco, so he handles that once a month. It’s been nearly a year since I stepped into a grocery store, and I can’t express how liberating it is. - Cleaning
Admittedly, my home is often a disaster zone. Legos cover the floors, beds remain unmade, and unopened suitcases from last month linger in the bedroom. I do laundry only when absolutely necessary, and the inside of my car resembles a snack factory. My kids, however, are blissfully unaware of the chaos. Every other Sunday, my husband and I do a quick tidy-up, and then a cleaning service swoops in to restore order. I’ve learned that cleanliness doesn’t equal tidiness, and I’ve grown to care much less about everything looking perfect. - Gym Time
I manage to work out 3-4 times a week, but a few years back, I decided to invest in used gym equipment for my home. My workout space is a small corner in the basement, but it does the job. Instead of spending hours searching for online workout videos, I now use a fitness app that costs just $12 a month, providing me with structured routines. It’s worth every penny for the time I save. - Weekend Wardrobe Woes
During the week, I dress up for work—makeup, nice shoes, and jewelry. But on weekends, I embrace comfort with leggings, sports bras, and T-shirts, allowing me the freedom to chase after my toddler or sneak in a nap.
I’ve also let go of other “must-dos,” like enforcing a strict bedtime for my older son and maintaining a perfect herb garden. Allowing myself to release these pressures has made a world of difference, enabling my husband and me to savor our family time together.
I recognize that letting go of these tasks is a privilege. Not every mother has the ability to make such choices. However, if you find yourself in a similar situation—managing a stable life while pursuing meaningful careers—consider making some changes. Remember, your worth as a parent isn’t defined by exhaustion, and your children’s happiness isn’t tied to the tidiness of your home. Do less, love more.
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Summary
As a working mom, I’ve streamlined my life by eliminating certain tasks that drain my time and energy. By giving up cooking, running errands, cleaning, gym trips, and worrying about weekend appearances, I’ve created a more manageable and enjoyable family life. This approach may not be possible for everyone, but if you can make similar adjustments, it could significantly enhance your quality of life.
Keyphrase: managing motherhood as a working mom
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