Trying to work and parent at the same time - especially during the school holidays - can feel like juggling while someone keeps adding more balls. You sit down with your laptop and a warm drink, and someone instantly needs a snack. Of course they do.

And if it all feels a bit chaotic and clumsy, emails full of typos, glitter on the dog, and questions about chameleons while you’re trying to concentrate, that’s not a sign that you’re failing. That’s just the honest shape of doing your best.

We often hold ourselves to this quiet fantasy of how it should go. Calm, creative children. Focused, productive parents. But the truth? It’s messy. You’re meeting so many needs at once, your child’s and your own, and that takes heart and grit.

So if today felt like slow-motion mayhem, give yourself credit: you showed up. You cared. That’s what your child will remember.

Thanks for pausing with me. Take care, til next time.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kimmccabe.substack.com/subscribe