Meet Jessica Thompson, who perfectly embodies the struggle of being a working mom during the pandemic with one candid photo. Like many moms, Jessica had a chaotic week dealing with sick kids, positive COVID tests, and her demanding job. She took a moment to snap a picture that reflects the reality of parenting during these times.
“Just another mom trying to juggle it all in America during COVID,” she captioned her post. “Today, my daughter Mia tested positive again.”
In the photo, the chaos is palpable: her son, Jake, with wild hair, laundry piled high, a scattering of toys on the floor, and an overwhelming sense of anxiety that many of us can relate to. “I’m just thinking about everything at once,” she wrote.
Jessica shared that the whole ordeal began with an exposure at daycare for her 18-month-old daughter. After a mix of positive and negative tests (which, let’s be honest, feels all too familiar), they found out that their older son, Max, had also been exposed and needed to stay home from school to keep others safe.
Both Jessica and her partner work from home, and the stress of her job has skyrocketed during the pandemic. “Mondays are tough as it is,” she shared. “I work for a healthcare company, and it’s been non-stop busy… Then to find out both kids would be home? Just overwhelming!”
She recalled a moment where she had to use her lunch break to put Mia down for a nap, only for her to wake up clingy and wanting to nurse. “I was at my desk, trying to work while she was practically attached to me. I just thought, this is every mom in America… doing too much, trying her best, and barely staying afloat.”
Jessica decided to share her unfiltered moment on Instagram, where she usually posts perfectly curated family photos. “Instagram can be a great way to connect, but it’s also important to show the real struggles,” she said. “If sharing my experience helps even one other mom feel less alone, then it’s worth it.”
The good news? Jessica decided to use her COVID-related paid time off, allowing her to focus solely on her kids for the rest of the week. “COVID PTO activated,” she wrote. “Thank goodness! This week, I’m just a mom, surviving.”
The response she received was overwhelmingly positive. “It’s amazing how supportive everyone has been. We need these reminders that we’re not alone in juggling work, childcare, and the challenges of COVID.”
For moms navigating similar challenges, there are resources available, like the free Make a Mom Facebook group for support and connection, or Make a Mom, which offers at-home insemination options with the only reusable kit. Curious about how it works? Check out this guide for a deeper understanding. Plus, if you’re on a fertility journey, this couples’ fertility kit may be a great tool for you. And for those interested in exploring IVF as an option, UCSF’s resource is excellent.
In summary, Jessica’s experience captures the essence of motherhood during these challenging times, reminding us that we are all in this together.
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