Chelsea Zumpano is an early childhood education teacher and mom to a 9 and 14-year old.
What keeps your plate full these days?
This may sound cliche but I absolutely love children. I love that they are so ambitious about everything in life. I love that they always see the best in you ,therefore you only want to give them your best. When I say goodbye to them everyday I feel I have accomplished a task so great!
My own children are both in school and I can say caring for each other has been a family effort. There were times that my older son had to take care of his brother because his father and I could not afford to miss work.
What does your day-to-day look like?
My typical day is alarm at 4:15am and I get up with my husband. If I did not, we probably would never speak. My children get up at 6:30am ands some days they have to get themselves ready and on the bus. I typically work from 7am – 6:30pm. If for any reason I did get done a little early I would come home and go to sports events or events at the school.
How does being a working mom impact your kids — either positively or negatively?
It depends . When I am missing games and after school events it impacts them negatively, but I believe they also know why working is so important.
What holds the biggest tension in trying to manage everything?
The biggest tension for me is feeling a lot of guilt. I feel guilty for barely ever being home with my husband and I am so exhausted, my friends and family take an even further back seat. I also struggle with being unable to go to appointments and not having as much time to cook or clean.
What’s one resource that would make your life easier?
Opportunity! It’s hard to find a better opportunity when you have no time to do so.
How would you encourage other working moms who are overwhelmed and in the thick of it?
First, know that you are a warrior.
Second, you are an awesome Mom. Day in and day out doing – everything you have to, to provide for your family.
Three, you are an inspiration. You went out in the workforce and became something more. You became important to another whole group of people.
Four, you are respected.Everyone around you appreciates what you are doing they see the passion, the grind, the will and the personal sacrifices made.
Five, you are loved. The love of a child is like no other.
Any last words about working motherhood?
Being a working mom can be exhausting, but I feel no one gives there all like a mom.
