The Many Jobs of a Mommy

Teacher - This is a role that I am very familiar with, but the job description has changed now that I am a mommy. Currently, I am teaching body parts, animal sounds, and common words. Along with the typical subject matter (math, reading, science, etc.), I will also be responsible for teaching morals, manners, and other important life skills. My student is very eager to learn, which makes this teacher proud.


Doctor - I kiss boo boos, put ice on bumps and bruises, wipe a runny nose, determine if a trip to the pediatrician is necessary, and choose when and how to vaccinate my little man.


Dentist - 16 little teeth get brushed twice a day, even though it is a power struggle each and every time.


Tour Guide - Ladies and Gentlemen, if you look to your left, you will see a bird building a nest in a tree. The tree is tall and has green leaves. Birds say, "Tweet, tweet!" Do you hear that? It is a siren coming from a fire truck. The fire truck helps people. It is big and red. As you can see, I have become quite adept at narrating in any situation.


Nutritionist/Cook - I can tell you how many servings of each of the food groups Charlie has eaten on any given day, and I have a rough idea of how many calories he has consumed. I provide vitamins and Pediasure to fill the many gaps for my picky eater. Meals must vary, not be too hot, and need to be cut up into bite size pieces. I try not to get too insulted when my delicious, well-balanced culinary delight is thrown onto the floor.


Librarian - Books are neatly stacked on the shelves and in baskets at the end of each day. The perfect stories are chosen for bedtime and silent reading. I show Charlie how to hold the books, point to the words as I read, and show him how to treat them gently. I read aloud using expression and with enthusiasm in the hopes that I will instill a lifelong love of reading.


Entertainer - You better be a triple threat if you are a mommy. In my house, I am a singer, dancer, and an actor. I am also a bit of a comedian. I will do just about anything to hear that belly laugh.


Body Guard - Right now, I feel like I protect Charlie from himself. If it is dangerous, he is drawn to it. So, I spend a lot of time moving small fingers away from places that can pinch, catching his body when it falls, and keeping anything that could hurt him out of his reach.


Events Coordinator - The days are all up to me. Play dates, grocery shopping, and trips to the park all must fit into our schedule. They must not interfere with meals or naps and can not be too late in the day for fear of a major meltdown.


Stylist - Charlie will be dressed in a cute outfit if we leave the house (I can not promise the same thing if we are at home all day). It will be free of wrinkles, and if at all possible, it will coordinate with what I am wearing (this does not happen often, but it puts a smile on my face when it does).


Manicurist - His little nails grow like weeds. I feel like I am constantly cutting them. I still get nervous each time I do his nails. So far, I have never cut him, but I live in fear with every snip.


Councilor/Therapist/Psychologist - Being a toddler is rough. There are big emotions in that little body. Many times during the day, I have to find a way to help Charlie cope with something that upsets him. I have to decide whether or not to comfort him during a tantrum or ignore it for fear that he will think he can get anything he wants. I have to determine how to discipline. I have to be aware of whether or not I am providing enough praise and encouragement. This job has proven to be the most nerve wracking.


Photographer - Capturing all of the special family moments can be very difficult. You want to take part in the moments, but you are scared that if you don't take pictures, it will be as if they never happened in the first place. And, heaven forbid you forget to bring the camera somewhere. You will be guilt ridden for days thinking about all of the photo opps you missed out on. It is a wonder there are ever any pictures of moms. We are always the ones stuck behind the camera.


Historian - I am the one who knows the day of the week that Charlie was born. I will tell him how old he was when he first rolled over, cut a tooth, or crawled. I will be the one who compares Charlie and his brother and determines who slept through the night first. Moms are expected to know all of these things and be able to talk about them at a moment's notice.


Did I miss anything???