Working Parents GET. IT. DONE.

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There are some weeks when it feels like we’re just surviving.

Two kids in Elementary school, one in daycare, two working parents, and what feels like a never-ending list of appointments, pickups, drop-offs, and deep sighs. We’re a military family which means we’re also far from home, still learning our way around a new city, and trying to build a village from scratch. Again.

And somewhere in there, we’re supposed to eat, sleep, clean, and breathe too.

The Calendar That Never Ends

Our days start early and run long. Mornings feel like a race to get everyone dressed, fed, packed, and out the door. Work hours are jammed, and afternoons are filled with after-school pick-ups, daycare closes, school forms, forgotten water bottles, and mental checklists on overdrive.

Our middle child has ADHD and ODD, which means we’re juggling not just school needs but therapy, evaluations, medication management, weight checks, and specialist appointments, sometimes an hour or two away. And those appointments? They’re not quick. They take coordination, missed work hours, and logistical gymnastics to make happen. My son was born on Christmas day due at just 28 weeks gestation, and from the moment he came into this world, he’s been a fighter. He continues to grow perfectly healthy.

And  unfortunately, there’s no family nearby to jump in and help.

Complexity of Military Lifestyle

Being a military family means rebuilding often. Just when we find our rhythm, it’s time to hit restart.

It’s hard enough finding a dentist you like, but trying to find a behavioral specialist, pediatrician, and supportive school environment when you’re brand new to a city can be a challenge. Add in job stress, deployments, or shifting schedules, and it can feel like too much.

 The Emotional Weight

It’s the guilt of missing work for the fifth appointment this month.
It’s the sadness of watching your child struggle and not having a magic fix.
It’s the loneliness of doing it all without family down the street.
It’s the strength it takes to not fall apart when your to-do list is taller than your toddler.

And still, we show up.

Because that’s what love looks like when life is messy.

The Wins

It’s the days when we do make it on time.
The moments of progress in therapy.
The quiet car rides when one of the kids says, “Today was a good day.”
It’s watching our kids laugh in a new city that’s slowly becoming home.

Final Thoughts

To every working parent out there, military or not, who’s running on caffeine, scheduling apps, and pure determination: you’re doing amazing.

This season is exhausting, yes, but it’s also filled with love, resilience, and a level of strength we don’t always give ourselves credit for.

One day, our kids will understand what it took.
Until then, we keep moving, we keep loving, and we keep holding it all together the best we can.

Even if it’s with dry shampoo, drive-thru dinners, and therapy sessions in between meetings.

 FAQ: Working Parents- GET. IT. DONE.

How do working parents stay organized?
Most use flexible routines, shared calendars, and prioritize what matters most daily. It’s not about balance, it’s about rhythm.

What helps reduce stress for working moms and dads?
Setting boundaries, having support systems, and letting go of perfection can all help reduce burnout and daily pressure.

How can working parents make time for themselves?
Even 10-minute resets matter. Early mornings, solo grocery runs, or coffee breaks become key moments of recharge.