Every morning feels like a chaotic sprint to get out the door. I’m in a frenzy, searching for my car keys while simultaneously yelling for the kids to hop in. My arms are overflowing with bags, and I suddenly realize I need to use the restroom—again. I drop my purse and water bottle on the counter, dash to the bathroom, trip over a stray shoe, and ponder why no one can ever replace the toilet paper roll, all while hearing the kids honking the car horn, reminding me that we’re late—once again.
I remember a time when I was always punctual—arriving early to appointments, meetings, and social gatherings. I’m not sure how I managed to be so dependable back then, but my frustration with latecomers was palpable. Then I had kids, and everything changed. Now I find myself perpetually late, even on those rare occasions when I’m without them. Once you develop a habit of tardiness, it seems impossible to shake off. Just the other day, my friend Mark remarked, “You’re always running behind these days.” Well, of course! With three kids and two dogs underfoot, making it anywhere on time is a minor miracle.
Typically, my lateness hovers between 10 minutes to half an hour—okay, I’ll admit, it’s more like 30 minutes most of the time. It’s not that I miscalculate how long it takes to get ready; I do. Even when I plan ahead or start the morning early, some unexpected task inevitably crops up and consumes that extra time.
I’ve tried adjusting the clock ahead by ten minutes, but that’s a futile exercise. We all know that when we set the clock forward, we just think, “Awesome! Now I have ten extra minutes.” Instead of getting to our destination early, I get sidetracked, like when I decide to whip up a quick grocery list, which somehow takes 20 minutes. And finding a pen? That’s a solid 5 minutes wasted! Suddenly, I’m 15 minutes late.
Contrary to popular belief, late individuals aren’t inherently rude or lazy. In fact, Diana DeLonzor, author of Never Be Late Again, shared with the New York Times that those who are late often have a productive mindset. We thrive on fitting as much into our day as possible. Do I feel a surge of excitement when I have just three minutes to make the bed and get dressed? Absolutely. And yes, I feel accomplished when I squeeze in that last-minute chore before heading out.
For those of us who are frequently late, it’s not that we disregard others’ time; it’s that we’re optimists, believing there’s always a moment to spare. Being optimistic can even be good for your overall health. In essence, running late can mean being happy, healthy, and productive—sort of.
As moms, we often squeeze every last second out of our busy mornings. It’s challenging to watch the clock while untangling my daughter’s hair, helping my son find his missing shoe, and addressing their sudden hunger pangs right before we’re supposed to leave. I’d rather be a few minutes late than skip packing snacks for the kids, or worse, skipping a bathroom break. This way, we can enjoy a calm ride instead of dealing with uncomfortable situations or endless whining.
I genuinely care about others’ time, even if it might not seem like it. Every day is filled with the challenge of fitting everything in and extinguishing last-minute fires that pop up just moments before we need to head out. I’ve come to terms with the fact that we’ll be late—indefinitely. And honestly? I’m okay with it if you start without us. Deal?
If you’re looking for more insights on parenting and family life, check out this guide on artificial insemination as an alternative family-starting option. For further information on this topic, refer to this comprehensive resource on artificial insemination.
Summary:
Finding punctuality as a parent can feel impossible, with constant distractions and unexpected tasks that delay our timelines. While I once prided myself on being early, my life has transformed into a race against time with my three kids and two dogs. Despite the chaos, I’ve learned to embrace our chronic lateness and prioritize a stress-free journey over arriving on time.