As a mom of two, I've navigated the shift when my 11.5-year-old started middle school, requiring early Wednesdays for four hours of lessons.
My younger one—the 'Little Big'—still savors these cozy mornings lounging in pajamas. And trust me, he loves every minute.
Okay...let's make the most of it.
Since September, my Wednesday mornings have been a mix of sweet moments, shared laughter, and deep connection—tempered by occasional frustration and that familiar pang of guilt.
Some Wednesdays, he's content playing independently. I catch glimpses of him padding by in pajamas near my home office corner. We share a big hug, enjoy breakfast together, then each dive into our routines.
Other times, by 9 a.m., the chessboard awaits on the coffee table with a cheerful 'your turn to play!'
Uh.
Hold on... let me finish my coffee (and pry open one eye)
I won't dwell on the morning I lost at Labyrinth at 8:45 a.m. Some defeats are best left unspoken.
Then there's that persistent visitor we all try to ignore: Madam Guilt.
I'm here, yet buried in work. These are the moments I crave to cherish. He senses it but can't resist drawing me in.
So, I pivot from task to task. If I commit to 30 minutes of chess, I silence my phone—at least initially. Then I do it fully once I realize he's schooling me on the board.
And that's not happening... not yet, anyway. Oh!
More seriously, as an experienced parent, I've honed my routine. Even solo and swamped with deadlines, I prioritize face-to-face time with him on Wednesday mornings. Kids grow so fast—I've seen it firsthand with his big sister. Middle school truly shifts dynamics; it's no myth. I plan meticulously, stay vigilant for urgencies, and juggle both worlds. I catch up in the afternoon during his sports and evenings.
So far, it's working. If the pace proves unsustainable, I'll hire a sitter—but Madam Guilt holds me back for now. The culprit... or maybe not.
Truth is, motherhood often feels like teetering between two chairs, doesn't it?
