Two Minutes Du Jour

Finding Joy in the Chaos: A Working Mom’s Journey with a Toddler by Liz Erickson

Being a full-time working mom to a two-year-old is a roller coaster ride I never fully anticipated.

My daily routine has transformed into a whirlwind of activity, driven by my daughter’s boundless energy. From the moment she wakes up, she fills our home with excitement—learning new words, exploring every corner, and throwing tantrums as frequent as they are intense.

It’s a stark contrast to the evenings I used to spend binge-watching Netflix or trying new restaurants with my husband. Now, my days are a balancing act between work—meetings, deadlines, and projects—and being present for my daughter’s milestones. Although I always knew I’d continue working after becoming a parent and genuinely enjoy my career, some days I’m caught between sending one more email or joining my daughter for a round of “The Wheels on the Bus.”

As cliché as it sounds, finding joy in the small moments has become essential to maintaining balance. Watching her face light up when I finish my workday, her giggles during bath time, and our bedtime ritual of reading “Goodnight Loon” (a cherished book if you’re from Minnesota) are the little joys that help me stay grounded.

To make the most of this phase, I focus on maintaining routines. Working from home gives us the chance to start our days together. We share breakfast, get dressed, and play a bit before the nanny arrives and I retreat to my home office.

Weekends are dedicated to activities we both enjoy—finding a new playground, visiting the farmers’ market, and attending church. These outings not only create cherished memories but also offer a mental break from the work week.

Self-care is also crucial, and the most important IMO. But it’s easy to overlook personal needs while balancing work and parenting. During my daughter’s nap, which falls over lunch, I fit in a 30-minute workout on my Peloton treadmill. I also wake up an hour before her to enjoy my coffee, journal, and plan my day.

In the end, embracing the chaos makes this all worth it. My daughter’s hugs and sloppy kisses, her new achievements, and the challenges we tackle together all contribute to making being a working mom doable.

No matter your life stage or career path, I think we all can agree that appreciating small victories makes life richer and more enjoyable. Hopefully this is your reminder to start enjoying the simple joys again.  

Two Links Du Jour:

Working Moms Against Guilt – a website full of resources for moms

For some levity, check out this TV series, Workin’ Moms – it follows the lives of four women as they juggle love, careers, and parenthood