Denise Baldwin is a single mom of three (16, 8, and 8-months) who recently made headlines for going above and beyond as an Instacart shopper. With her 8-month old on her hip, Baldwin navigated Nike’s 75-building campus in Beaverton, Oregon to deliver a custom “resume cake” from Nike-hopeful, Karly Blackburn. Read more here.
Alright — tell us your childcare situation.
My oldest two go to school my 8-month old goes with me everywhere.
What keeps your plate full these days?
Taking care of bills, not making enough, living order to order, not having enough time to do more things for my 3 children. My car payment, needing to move — always being on the go becomes stressful. But in the long run everything is worth it because I am raising leaders and they are my legacy and I couldn’t be more proud. I have amazing children.
Do you work because you need to, want to, or some combination of both?
I need to! I need to be able to provide for my children and show them how to be independent and go for what you want and never give up.
What does your day-to-day look like? Walk us through your typical day.
My day starts at 6:20AM. I start making lunches, get my son up, feed him, get him dressed, get my 8-year old up and she gets herself ready and dressed. I do breakfast, get hair done, make sure things are packed for the day and take the girls to school. Then me and my son go on Instacart and do as many orders as I can get — usually about 3 — before I need to pick up my youngest from school. Then we decided whether to go to the park or the library and do lunch while we wait for my oldest to get out of of school. I pick her up and we go for a walk or park again before coming home to make dinner. Then it’s bath time, bedtime, repeat.
How does being a working mom impact your kids — either positively or negatively?
My kids are extremely proud of me. They see my determination and my drive — I always tell them never give up. They can do anything and get anything done. They love going to school and being involved in different activities. I think that it’s absolutely showing them positivity and how much of an impact a mom can have on others. We have so many capabilities that are never shined upon — we are determined, great at multi-tasking and are able to love unconditionally. Moms can get things done!!!!
What holds the biggest tension in trying to manage everything?
Meals, friendship finding enough time to recharge and taking care of it all and not being recognized for how much we do as working moms.
What’s one resource that would make your life easier?
A better job and a home that is my dream to give my children what they deserve.
How would you encourage other working moms who are overwhelmed and in the thick of it?
I know it can be very difficult — there are so many things coming at you and you’re being pulled in so many directions, but if you dig down deep in yourself — you can do it. It could be worse and you are so lucky to have such amazing children who made you who you are. Live in the moment and don’t be so worried with what is down the road. Try to release and remember what is right around the corner. No matter what that struggle is in the moment, take a deep breath and know that a few moments later it can be completely different. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. And remember your children always think you’re a super hero no matter what you do.
Any last words about working motherhood?
I think as a working mom it can be really difficult to try to juggle so many things in one day — to have enough money for bills, childcare, home needs, necessities for the children that pop up at school, etc. As moms we try to do it all, and it can be very very difficult do the things you enjoy whether it’s with your children or having a little bit of time for yourself to recharge. I feel so fulfilled knowing that my children see me working hard and know that I’m determined, self-motivated and getting things done. I like knowing they can count on me. My children are everything — and finding a job or position that understands that can be very stressful. As moms, we just want to be able to provide for our kids and be able to Raise them to amazing adults. We want it all — why can’t we have it all?
