This morning, as I was preparing to leave the house, my child was still finishing breakfast. I had set the alarm for 6 AM with the intention of getting out the door by 7. My son sleeps in his clothes (a quirky choice), doesn’t fuss over his hair, and we avoided any morning disasters like a TV distraction or minor injuries. Yet, somehow, we found ourselves running late—again.
At 14 years old, my son is not a toddler clueless about morning routines. He understands the need to get ready, and we both try our best, but coherence often eludes us. The familiar pattern unfolds: “Jake, we’re going to be late. Please hurry!” He attempts to speed up, but it’s as if he has forgotten the art of efficiency. Tempers flare, frustration mounts, and amidst the chaos, backpacks spill their contents, making my anxiety rise.
“Come on, Jake! We are late once more!” I repeat, feeling the weight of my words. His usual retort? “Yelling won’t make me move any faster.” It’s a losing battle, especially now that he towers over me at 6’1” and weighs significantly more than I do.
I also have two other children to wrangle, and the morning rush is a perfect recipe for mishaps—someone invariably needs to use the bathroom, another demands a drink, and finding shoes, jackets, or books turns into a scavenger hunt. My son might complain about his socks, or I might forget the dog as we pull out for her vet appointment.
Yes, being a parent is my go-to excuse for tardiness, and it’s a pretty solid one. Some might consider it rude, and I understand that perspective, but I often ponder what secret formula those punctual parents possess. I admire their ability to maintain composure while I frantically coax my youngest into a coat, all while searching for the elusive permission slip.
Perhaps there will come a day when I can join the ranks of those punctual parents, no longer feeling like I’m perpetually rushing yet still somehow ten minutes behind. But today is not that day.
Most parents I know who struggle with punctuality aren’t lounging around, sipping coffee and thinking, “It’s fine; I have kids.” No, they’re racing against the clock, berating themselves for yet another late arrival, and urging their children to hasten. The situation is far from enjoyable, and lateness is certainly not a deliberate choice.
Life as a parent is unpredictable; sometimes, chaos simply reigns. Being late isn’t an indictment of one’s character or a sign of indifference towards others’ time. It’s a reflection of the challenges that come with juggling family life, and if someone wants to label you as selfish for being a few minutes late while you desperately searched for your child’s pacifier under the car seat, let it go. After all, you’re probably too busy trying to get your family to their destination on time.
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Summary
Parenthood is often synonymous with running late. The morning chaos of getting children ready can lead to frustration and a sense of defeat, even for well-intentioned parents. Despite the efforts to stay punctual, life’s unpredictable nature often prevails, reminding us that being a parent is a valid excuse for tardiness.