Being a working mom is harder than I ever imagined. My daughter, Sophia, is six and in school—thankfully. But balancing work, home, and motherhood? It feels like juggling knives.
Every day I wake up determined—“I’ll get to everything today.” But life has other plans. I swing by the kitchen, spoon in hand, only to realize the snack I meant to pack for her is nowhere in sight. Guilt claws at me. I love her more than anything, and when I forget something like that, especially her favorite treat, I feel like I’ve failed her.
Thankfully, I have an amazing husband. James covers my blind spots—picks Sophia up from school, plays with her, even helps with homework. I’m so grateful. Yet when I talk to my sister or mom, their voices sometimes cut deeper than I expect. “You should be the one at home,” they say. I feel a wave of panic—because, honestly, I feel like I’m failing someplace.
One morning, though, something surprised me. Sophia bounced in with a big grin. “Don’t worry, Mommy,” she said, pointing to her lunchbox. “Daddy’s girlfriend packed me a snack!”
My heart stopped. “Daddy’s… girlfriend?” I said, speechless. Sophia nodded, completely casual. “She even let me pick which juice.”
What? I stared, words caught in my throat, my world spinning. Who is she talking about? Then Sophia ran off to class, oblivious to the chaos she’d caused in me.
I texted James immediately. His reply synced my racing heart: “Can we talk tonight?” I could feel the knot loosen—this story was far from over.
