Parenting Ain’t Easy. But it’s Worth it.

A few words for and about working parents: This right here? It ain’t easy. Full stop.

Don’t let the bright and shiny Instagram posts of neither your idols nor your peers get you stuck in comparison mode. Feeling less than is natural, but doesn’t serve you.

No matter how many children you have and what age(s). Whether you work from home or outside the home, for someone else or for yourself. If you have a partner, a co-parent, or are parenting solo. Daycare, in-laws, nanny, or none of the above. Screen time or hard pass.

Whatever your make and model, being in charge of other human lives while managing your own — esPECially this year — is a paramount task.

Let’s take a collective breath and acknowledge we are all doing our best. Even when it feels like shit is hitting the fan (and the microwave, and the dishwasher, and [insert arbitrary appliance here]). We do our best.

And if your best doesn’t look like what you see on Insta, remember it’s probably been curated for Insta.

Yesterday my first baby turned 4. It’s still sinking in. She amazes me regularly with her articulate conversation skills, unending curiosity, brave spirit and genuine laugh. Yesterday was all about her. Tomorrow will be too.

But today? Today Mama had shit to accomplish. Today also happened to be a day that Mama was in high demand.

So that meant lots of snuggles, snacks and dance parties. Setting up activities (like water beads and a water table indoors) and taking full advantage of a shorter than usual naptime.

It was not our smoothest day. I could have popped on a movie and let them zone out. I could have pushed work back. But we made it happen, messy and all.

My 4yo climbed up into my lap and put her sticky hands on mine, gifting me with some of her birthday treasures. “You can have some treats. You’re the best Mama” ❤️

So here’s to our littles, for even on the days when parenthood feels difficult and balance seems impossible, they are still able to thrive.