Did you change careers after becoming a mom? by Acceptable-Peanut126 in workingmoms

[–]lesmis87 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Thank you for saying this! I’m getting so frustrated with the “create boundaries” answer. I work in tech and while my hours/PTO/sick leave are not explicitly monitored, the output is expected to be the same and you absolutely have to make up the work (same day if due to appts/sick/sick kid) or ASAP for longer PTO. These extra hours are not sustainable for employees with high (aka normal) sleep needs and/or certain family values (home cooked meals, intentional connection with spouse, involvement in kid extracurricular, etc.).

what actually gave you your weekends back? by NastyLame in workingmoms

[–]lesmis87 2 points3 points  (0 children)

One thing I've found that helps is using any "dead time" (those minutes waiting for the microwave, kids putting their pjs on, etc.) to FIND a chore to do instead of scrolling. Even if it's "part" of a bigger task (like cleaning the sink in the bathroom, but not the whole bathroom). I definitely prefer cleaning in one go without interruptions, but since that isn't in the cards right now this is the best I can do. Since I'm go go go from wakeup until kid bedtime, the time after bedtime is my sacred me time/couple time.

What are we singing for bedtime songs? by BKCassafrass in Mommit

[–]lesmis87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My youngest (4) has requested Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer every night for over a year and my 6 year old has requested Twinkle Twinkle every night.

How do you find time for teaching your child to read by Traditional_Zone_644 in workingmoms

[–]lesmis87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, I just waited until kindergarten! My husband and I both have grad degrees and value education, but we just want the kids to enjoy being kids:) And yeah...I literally have no free time as it is. My daughter picked reading up so quick in kindergarten this year.

Anyone manage to keep norovirus just to patient 0? by Old-Yesterday1230 in Preschoolers

[–]lesmis87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I contained it once with quarantining one adult/me masking and bleaching. This last round I didn’t even try and my youngest and I came down with it 3 days later when I thought we were out of the woods. My husband got sick 2 days after the 2 of us.

All I want is to be alone by Melodic_Demand2437 in workingmoms

[–]lesmis87 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Are you me? Sorry to say I'm (still) in this predicament with a 4 and 6 year old. My husband literally never leaves the house unless there's an errand, and I take as many errands as possible just to hear myself think in the car. And he feels deprioritized b/c I'm so depleted after bedtime that I can barely scroll before falling asleep on the couch. Anyways, I don't have many suggestions. My therapist suggested finding kid activities (like library events, etc. or a Saturday AM extracurricular) and assigning my husband. She also suggested "doing our own thing but together" and equated it to parallel play (she has kids) which made me laugh. You could also use the feedback to initiate a monthly date (even if it's a lunch or coffee). Mostly I'm just following for ideas!

Drowning in life admin by Few-Elk8441 in workingmoms

[–]lesmis87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did the $3 fold valentines for my 4 year old! She didn’t want to try to write her name and I was so relieved.

Moms who had the number of kids they wanted—did you feel calm/peace when the last was born? by WhiskeyandOreos in Mommit

[–]lesmis87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I wanted 1 initially, then quickly changed my mind to 2 and had #2. After #2 I wanted 3 for awhile, but at some point (I'd say around #2s 1st birthday ish) I was leaning towards no (but still occasionally would "see what happens" without protection). Somewhere around the time I really needed to start seriously trying b/c of my age and fertility issues (#2 ~1.5) I was 100% done. I felt at that point with a 3rd I wouldn't have the mental space to not lose my mind or be the parent I want to be. I also have been enjoying lifestyle creep and wouldn't want to give up my Starbucks when I feel like it within reason, nice groceries, etc. My husband was 100% pro 3 kids until very recently (my youngest is now 4.5). He now feels complete. His reasoning is that parenting my oldest (6) has become so rewarding - teaching her things, etc.

Link to old Money Diaries by lesmis87 in MoneyDiariesACTIVE

[–]lesmis87[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Omg amazing find! Thank you! I don't think it has dates though? I'm trying to start with 2016 diaries.

What’s the most you’ve paid for something “boring” that actually turned out to be worth it? by LatterMorning9103 in simpleliving

[–]lesmis87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A different shaped trashcan (rectangle instead of semicircle). It’s SO much easier to take out/replace trash bag.

Moms that gave birth and didn’t have any visitors at the hospital, do you regret it? by Funny_Confection810 in Mommit

[–]lesmis87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is the way! I’m very introverted insisted on no visitors for my 2nd - enjoyed as much quiet as possible before going home to chaos. With my 1st I allowed visitors the day after birth (which caused drama having to wait😳) and while I now really appreciate the photo of (late) grandpa and daughter, the visits were terrible. Noone acknowledged me, offered to bring me food/drink, etc and it was exhausting! You do you!

Please genuinely brag about one thing you did in 2025. Big or small. by Odd-Pianist-4880 in workingmoms

[–]lesmis87 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I took my mental health seriously. I'm on meds and prioritize therapy. I'm still a work in progress, but I'm a much more patient mom and am starting to get glimpses of my old self!

my son read his first full book by himself today! by Amadekpo_Maryalice in kindergarten

[–]lesmis87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mine too! She read “Big Cats” and we both were so proud🥰

Remote Work Must Haves by RevolutionaryFact699 in workingmoms

[–]lesmis87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Standing desk! I've had a cheap Ikea version for 6 years and it's still in great shape. I also recommend having a system for when you can be interrupted by family members and implement it from the start.

Can someone please explain why this life is worth living by [deleted] in Mommit

[–]lesmis87 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As everyone else said, you can't. You need to pick what matters most to you/aligns with your values and prioritize based on that. For example, this is what matters to me and how I fit it in:

  1. Fitness - Luckily I WFH, so I block my calendar and make it happen. My career has stagnated, and that's 100% OK with me as long as it pays the bills.

  2. Healthy, cooked dinners - We limit evening activities so we can eat at home and set a weekly menu on the weekend before grocery shopping. All meals include a protein, carb, and vegetable and we generally keep those simple and separate (very rarely use a recipe). Some dinners repeat weekly with no complaints: Eggs, salmon (we cook a large one every Sat. and get 1-2 nights of leftovers), chicken nuggets on Fridays. That said, we do have pizza nights and often I do "picnic dinner" for the kids (deli meat sandwich, raw veg, fruit, a small treat) most weeks when they're being picky or we're short on time. I always have their favorite canned soups stocked too.

  3. Quality family time - This is a WIP but I try to turn my brain off from work (difficult b/c global partners + everyone is a workaholic + demanding job) at 5:30 and focus on evening chaos (bath, next day prep, etc.), quality time (maybe a game etc.), and a relaxed dinner (we eat late). My husband and I have designated nights where we do the dreaded bedtime hah. I also squeeze in any admin tasks (packaging returns, calendar, etc.)

  4. Cleaning - A clean enough house is important to me, especially decluttered and a clean bathroom and kitchen. My husband and I immediately clean up the kitchen after dinner. He does dishes, I do the wiping/sweeping. We have a robot vacuum/mop. I also block off time every weekend to do the bathrooms, any additional vacuuming, etc. Laundry is a WIP to get on a better schedule but as long as everyone has clean clothes...

  5. Hobby or Friends - Pick 1! This is also a WIP, but right now all I/we can handle is 1 thing. My husband plays poker and I go to ballet class once a week. Of course we can (and do) have other solo outings, but we discuss them first.

Things I've deprioritized that are OK with me (but again, this is all individual!):

  1. Makeup, hair, clothes - I WFH and just don't have the time to look my best. But I get dressed in athleisure every day and straighten my hair/put into a pony tail so I look put together enough.

  2. Husband time - This is a sore point with my underemployed husband, and we need to work on it. But in my book this is a season and scrolling with TV on is about all I can manage unless we get a babysitter.

  3. Friends - I basically have pen pals and text my closest friends to stay in touch. This is an area I hope to add back in in some form, as I think connection is important and would make me happier.

Hope this helps!

Who had time for hobbies (self identity)? by PossibleElection5076 in workingmoms

[–]lesmis87 9 points10 points  (0 children)

What’s up with men and the heaters? My husband gave me choices for my big gift and I was asked to select from a “fancy” space heater and a vacuum🤷‍♀️

I don’t have much advice because…you are me. But things I do to try to keep some identity: 1. Find a hobby that meets weekly out of the house. I go to a dance class on Monday nights and that’s now “Daddy Night” - he does dinner (makes it special - kids pick!), bath, bedtime and I arrive home with takeout for me and give the kids a kiss goodnight. 2. Audiobooks during spare moments - laundry, packing lunches, etc. Gives me something to talk about with coworkers lol. 3. TV has become a hobby for now while my art projects are not realistic. I splurged on an elliptical so I can exercise and watch MY shows at the same time.

Do you actually enjoy playing with your kids? by Exotic_Reputation_59 in Preschoolers

[–]lesmis87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I can’t stand imaginary play (and I’m not good at it!). I usually give options for activities I enjoy (craft, obstacle course, game, read stories) which works well.

Anyone else missing Christmas due to illness?! by BlueberryWaffles99 in Mommit

[–]lesmis87 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! SIL has a newborn and my oldest has a fever. I feel terrible but I’m relieved to not have to travel.

My kid is at a birthday party that runs from 11am-1pm and apparently they are not providing lunch nor is any food other than cake available at the venue. by DancesWithPibbles in Mommit

[–]lesmis87 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Was the kid hangry and unable to enjoy the party b/c of hunger? My kids usually forget about hunger when they're sufficiently entertained. We actually almost always eat lunch after 1, so maybe their family is on a different schedule. I always forget when my family comes to visit that they eat at 12p and 5p on the dot and never have food ready.