hard work

It’s no surprise that being a parent is a lot of work. Day in and day out you wear a ton of different hats. My job title is official “Mom”, but unofficially, it carries many more job titles than that.

1. President: My husband might argue this point a little, but even he phones and clears things with me before planning things. I run the household.
2. Secretary: Yes, I carry both titles. If I don’t make the schedule things just won’t happen.
3. Chef: Maybe not gourmet, but any day that I don’t cook boxed macaroni and cheese or serve cereal for dinner I am probably winning. 3 kids; 1 who is going through a stage where everything has to be plain, and an adult male under my roof mean it’s hard impossible to please everyone most nights.
4. Cheerleader: Kids in sports (or any activity) means that I am at EVERY game, and EVERY practice cheering them on and cheering them on loud enough to make sure they hear me. Especially those where my husband isn’t able to because of work. I never want them looking into the stand and wondering who is there for them.  I will always be there.
5. Housekeeper: Cleaning the entire house every day. Sweeping, mopping, dishes, laundry it literally never ends.
6. Laundromat attendant: All the laundry, all the time. With only one washing machine. At least I get all the pocket change out of the dryer.
7. Maid: Different than a housekeeper, I am expected, it would seem anyway, to wait on my children hand and foot.
8. Janitor: Also different from the housekeeper, I also get to clean up all the spills and messes.
9. Taxi Driver: I have to drive everyone everywhere, usually with no time to spare.
10. Judge: When all the little arguments happen, guess who decides who is right.
11. Referee: Scraps happen, I’m the one who has to climb in the middle, or hopefully diffuse them before they start.
12. Secret Keeper: While we don’t keep secrets in this house, they have found a loophole when it comes to “surprises”
13. Personal Assistant: Forgot something? Need something done? Don’t worry mom will get it done.
14. Teacher: Colours, ABCs, spelling words, all of the above.
15. Coach: In all things sports. Even if you know next to nothing about them.
16. Art Critic: Of course that looks like a dinosaur!
17. Potty Trainer: Two kids down one to go.
18. Bum Checker: Even though they are potty trained, wiping is still something that needs working on.
19. Diaper Changer: And counting down!
20. Search and Rescue: A toy or a blanket always seems to be missing.
21. Tickler: My boys loved to be tickled
22. Tickle me Elmo: Who needs the toy when I can tickle mom?
23. Day Care Provider: Someone has to take care of them.
24. Government: Someone needs to make the rules.
25. Police Woman: And then they need to be enforced.
26. Stylist: No you can’t wear shorts when it’s -30 degrees
27. Personal Shopper: Groceries, clothes you name it, I buy it
28. Dentist: Gotta make sure all the teeth are clean.
29. Breath Smeller: How else am I going to know if they actually brushed their teeth?
30. Volunteer: Field trips, councils, hot lunches, as often as possible.
31. Play Date Organizers: Back to that scheduling we talked about.
32. Event Planner: Birthdays, and holidays.
33. A Conductor of Sleep Studies: Overnight, in a bed that is far too small
34. Monster Patrol: Under beds, behinds doors, the works.
35. Librarian: Complete with storytelling.
36. Singer: Specialising in nursery rhymes and theme songs.
37. Doctor: Kisses and cuddles are my specialities.
38. Paramedic: Breaking out the big guns with fun band-aids when needed.
39. Nurse: I administer the medicine when they’re sick.
40. Cuddle Expert: Because sometimes all you need is a good cuddle session.
41. Speech Therapist:  There are a lot of words to learn how to say properly.
42. Councillor: For the days when being young is just too much to handle.
43. Barber: I can’t be the only one who has had to cut their kids’ hair.

There is no sugar coating it, being a parent is hard work. My job as a mom is ever changing and ever evolving. Would I give up any one of them? Not a chance, they bring be closer to my kids and that makes me a better parent. It is rewarding in a way that you will never be able to explain.

Are there any job titles you feel you carry as a parent?