With the schools closed for COVID lockdown and no teachers to remind, my kids almost forgot about the special day until the Mother’s Day advertisement popped up while watching a YouTube video. My younger son announced proudly, “I know what I’m going to give you tomorrow—I’ll build you a Minecraft World.”

Being cautious not to dampen his excitement, I said, “How awesome! Can you also come up with something your mom, that’s me, would enjoy?”

After our conversation yesterday, when I woke up this Mother’s Day morning, my kid asked me to read a whiteboard-

My Mother’s day is off to a great start! And I hope yours is too.

On this special day, I want to honor all the mothers out there through this mom’s resume highlighting the many roles moms undertake as part of their mom’s job.

Objective

To raise children to become kind, responsible, and independent adults.

Summary

I transitioned into the Mom job with no prior experience or training. And I was unsure about my new job responsibilities until the blessed day when the nurse handed me our first newborn, all wrapped up in a cute bundle. At that instant, I knew I was hired for life!

I can function in a chaotic work environment while nurturing my demanding and lovable clients (my kids).

Roles and Responsibilities

The following are the roles and skills I’ve acquired as part of the mom job, and my skills continue to evolve and grow.

Chef- I cook and serve multiple dishes before hell breaks loose, from an easy peasy Mac & Cheese to elaborate entrée. I can fulfill food orders even during unearthly hours and whip-up a quick hunger-satisfying meal.

Housecleaner– I am all the time cleaning. Even when I’m not cleaning, I’m thinking about cleaning. Actually, cleaning should be my middle name! And, yet when I’m done (am I ever?), there’s more cleaning to do. I’ve recently hired an assistant, and it’s a robotic vacuum that keeps whirring around the house, picking up crumbs. And I already see signs of it giving-up, unlike me, who is relentless. You get the point!

Laundromat– I make sure that the never-ending loads of clothes are washed in time, folded eventually, and few lucky ones move to the stage of ironing. I’m training my older son in these services to eventually make him an independent human. (See my Objective)

Reader– I take pride in reading aloud to keep my little audience engaged until their eyes popped out of excitement during day time, and turned droopy at bedtime. As my kids have grown out of being read aloud, I’ve found a new audience in my Library book readings.

Sleep Fairy -I tuck the kids in their beds and kiss them goodnight. Then I check for monsters under their beds and wave my magic wand to sprinkle sleep dust in their room. I sing in my not so melodious voice, which my kids find very comforting, and they gradually snooze or perhaps act asleep, so I’d stop singing. The important thing is, I get the job done.

Security Officer – After my kids are asleep, I start my night shift and often take rounds to check on them. I tuck them back in their blankets as their hand or leg extends uncovered, and kiss their foreheads, again! It reminded me of my childhood in India when the whistle of the night watchman made me feel safe.

Alteration services– From Halloween costumes to the little stuff toys that live with my kids, I have learned to mend them to their satisfaction. To all the projects, now I’ve added making masks for the COVID protection. This proves I can scale-up to the situation.

On-Call Medical service— I manage multi-level severity. Some boo-boo heals with a kiss or a cuddle, sometimes a tickle, while some require band-aid, special homemade potions, or simply a good night’s sleep. For more serious ones, I shuttle the children to the outside doctor.

Short sleeper – I am not blessed with the special gene, but I can go without much sleep for multiple nights until the sleep debt becomes too heavy to carry, and then I cave in. This is a required skill to care for sick children (sometimes binge-watching television after kids are asleep). WARNING- Use of this skill makes me sooooooo grumpy!

Teacher– As an in-house educator, I work in partnership with the school teachers for the welfare and optimal growth of my children. And with the lockdown, this responsibility has increased a hundred folds.

Coach– From instilling everyday life morals, values, and faith, I introduce kids to life skills of growth mindset, etiquette, and empathy. So far, the hardest one to teach without losing my cool is embracing failures, which requires a lot of de-learning on my part. 

Event Planner– I plan parties—birthdays, festivals, and other get-togethers, which include deciding the theme, decorations, games, food, and the invites.

Chauffeur– I not only shuttle my kids to and from classes and playdates but also ensure the car is always stocked-up with non-perishables for my hungry monsters. I take pride in going above and beyond my duties. 

Entertainer– When kids feel crappy, I engage them in activities to let the bad air out- baking cookies, silly dancing, running, knock-knock jokes.

Gardner– I involve kids in little gardening projects, so they learn to care and nurture. They either feel satisfied to see the plant thrive or disappointed when their attempts fail—either way, they learn.

Personal shopper– I take the kids shopping, and sometimes shop for them, mindful of their preferences. I ensure their wardrobe is appropriately stocked as per the season.

Pest Control Squad– When nasty pests like scorpion (Hey, we are in Arizona!) attack, I generate a high pitch scream followed by silly fearful jumps. Then I squish the rascal with a fly swatter ending the crazy combat. Bam!!! Gotcha!

Playmate– Lists of games to engage children often vary with their moods and age. And I’m proud to introduce them to new games to keep them sufficiently engaged. With lockdown, board games have become our life savior, and our latest outdoor game is hopscotch. 

Mediator-When sibling scuffles happen, in most circumstances, it takes its own course to settle. Often there is a need for a mediator, and that’s when I come into the picture.

Travel packer– While my hubby is the travel organizer, I pack (or overpack mostly) for my kids to make sure that they have the essentials for the trip.

Barber—This is the new skill I acquired through Youtube over the lockdown. I ordered a decent pair of clippers, and my hands go SNIP! SNIP! SNIP! Rendering an in-house barber experience.

Like other moms, I juggle numerous roles in a day, and at times fantasize of multiple arms, so a part of me can sit, sip a wine and read. While my other arms extend to cook, fold laundry, help with homework, write a blog, and play ‘chutes and ladder’ with my children. 

Don’t get me wrong, I love my mom’s job, and I am not looking to retire…EVER. For one bizarre thing about motherhood is though the day seems long, the years are short and time goes by in a blink of an eye. And before you know your children would be ready to leave the nest, and soon you’ll be holding your grandkids.

And on this Mother’s Day, I wish all the mothers’ out there a day full of treasures and beautiful surprises.