Juggling a sick toddler and a final essay is literally breaking me today 💔

[Samantha]

I honestly don't even know how I'm going to get through this week. My 3-year-old came down with a nasty fever and cough last night, which means daycare is a no-go. My husband has a huge deadline at work, so it’s all on me. And, of course, I have a 10-page final essay for my Sociology class due in four days that I haven't even properly started.

Right now, I’m trying to type one-handed while holding a restless, feverish toddler on my lap. Peppa Pig is playing on the iPad for the 5th time today, and I'm pretty sure I just wrote a sentence about "the socio-economic impacts of fuzzy blue blankets." The guilt is insane—I feel guilty for not giving my baby 100% of my attention, and I feel guilty for not giving my essay 100% of my brain.

I’ve had to email my professor asking for an extension, and I feel like such a failure. Like, am I even cut out for this? I know I am, but moments like this make me seriously doubt everything.

Just needed to get this out to people who might get it. Time to make another cup of cold coffee and attempt to read one (1) journal article before the next meltdown. Sending love to all the other parents out there in the trenches with us. We’ve got this... right?

 

[EricaBusk]

Oh Samantha, my heart breaks for you. I'm not a parent but I've watched my sister go through this and it's absolutely brutal. The mom guilt + student guilt combo is just cruel.

You ARE cut out for this. The fact that you're worrying about it proves you care deeply about both roles. That's not weakness, that's strength.

When my sister was in your position, she started treating her assignments like they were work projects - tiny 15-minute sprints during naps or after bedtime. It wasn't perfect but it got done. Maybe try that? Even 500 words a day is something.

Also, please actually drink water. Coffee doesn't count.