The Many Hats Worn by the Working Mommy

The phrase "working mommy" is laughable in itself because all moms work whether they get paid for it or not. Being a mommy is a full time job and all the hats we wear truly show how a woman can multi-task to the max. Throw into the mix a career and there is a level of insanity involved each and every day of that woman's life.

Gone are the days of well-planned outfits, meticulously coiffed hair (now I'm just happy if my hair is clean), makeup neatly applied, and random shopping trips "just because". When you are a mommy who also works full-time, part-time or even at home, you learn to prioritize the essentials and leave the rest by the wayside.

Don't get me wrong, there are many women out there who have children, have a career, and still look as if they just stepped off the cover of a fashion magazine. Those are the lucky few who can hide the craziness of their chaotic lives as they juggle their many responsibilities, or hats, each day. These are a few of the hats we mommies wear on a daily basis, in no particular order of importance.

1. All Around Mommy Hat - The All Around Mommy Hat is a hat that never comes off. It changes up with an addition of different accessories such as: Help with Schoolwork Accessory, Disciplinarian Accessory, Play and Have Fun Accessory just to name a few. The Mommy Hat is worn snugly and held close to our heart. It is worn at all times of the day. The mommy hat is on at two in the morning when the little one needs a bottle or when the teenager is walking in the door. It is on when we read to our young children or help older children muddle through homework. It's what helps us instill in them the love of learning and the importance of education. We make sure they have warm gloves when it gets chilly in October and a new swimsuit for the first hot day of the summer. The All Around Mommy Hat is one you might never imagine would have fit until you put it on, hence, it rarely comes off. It is made of unconditional love. It's one we wear with pride and hand down from generation to generation.
   
2. Organized Home Hat - The Organized Home Hat is optional though it becomes quite apparent that an organized home makes things go much smoother than an unorganized home. This hat is not worn often but when it's on, it allows mommy to be diligent and prioritize to keep things running well. While wearing this hat, mom makes sure that the home is cleaned and organized. She can throw in loads and loads of laundry (then rewash when she forgets them), grocery shop, make lists, vacuum, pick up and straighten up and have a system to keep things in place. Oh yeah, it also allows her to cook a gourmet meal, or order out for pizza (depending on the day).
   
3. Career Hat -The Career Hat might also be called the Job Hat, depending on what kind of work mommy does outside of the home. When I have my Career Hat on, I am a teacher. I love wearing this hat. It's a hat I have had since before I had children. It's not my favorite hat but it's an important part of who I am. I wear this hat and make a difference each workday in the lives of students. I wear this hat and collaborate with others to make a difference. This hat also enables me to earn a decent wage, which in turn helps me be a better mommy, wife, and me.
   
4. Happy Wife Hat - The Happy Wife Hat is also an optional hat as some women, for one reason or another, go it alone. I am pleased to be able to wear the Happy Wife Hat. This hat was worn in the making of my children. It is the foundation for which my family was built. It is also an important hat for me to wear. The love that radiates when I'm wearing that hat is a special love. Sometimes it gets tedious wearing this hat because honestly, the Happy Hubby doesn't always wear his hat! Communication as a Happy Wife is crucial to maintaining a healthy marriage.
   
5. Me Hat - Ah, the Me Hat. I remember that hat. Even though it's collecting dust at the back of my closet. It's important for me to pull it out from time to time. Ideally it should be worn at least once a day, even if you wear it only to read a book or take a nice, quiet bath. The Me Hat keeps the busy, pulled-in-600-directions mommy, wife, and woman on a level ground. This hat keeps me sane. The Me Hat keeps me strong enough to wear all the other hats a working mommy is required to wear through out the day.

These are just 5 of the many hats worm by the working mommy. The thing to realize is that whether you are a working mom or stay at home mom, you wear many hats throughout your day. Be sure to balance them wisely and especially remember to take time to pull out the Me Hat. Also, as winter draws nearer, know it is okay to top these special hats with a good, old-fashioned knit hat to keep one's head warm!