There are fewer phrases in the English language that strike panic, fear, and possibly even loathing in the hearts of stay-at-home moms (and dads) more than, “I’m going to be late.”
A particularly stabbing follow-up phrase is “I don’t know when I’ll be home.”
These words are especially brutal when heard at 6 PM while one child is sitting in her high chair screaming because OH MY GOD SHE’S NEVER BEEN FED and the other child has completely emptied the formerly pristine pantry for the 833rd time that day and there are goldfish crackers spilled on the floor and the oven timer is beeping non-stop and the water is boiling over on the stove and you still haven’t showered despite the fact that it’s 6 PM.
It’s of little comfort that the reason for lateness isn’t happy hour, but rather issues at work. The stay-at-home parent ALWAYS has “issues at work.”
Trishy
March 19, 2008 at 7:34 pm
Big hugs… you’re definitely not alone!
workout mommy
March 19, 2008 at 7:39 pm
oh, I can so relate! My hubby travels a lot so I get the “my flight was canceled” phone call and seriously, I want to pull my hair out!!
Beth
March 19, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Some days I have been so desperate that I start imagining I hear the garage door opening.
If it helps, my kids are now 4 and 22 months and it is really and truly getting easier to get things done. They play with each other and even on their own. I think it only gets easier…
Beth’s last blog post..works for me wednesday- a better bra
Sarah the Spunky Mommy
March 19, 2008 at 9:05 pm
My husband called at 4:00 (suppose to be home at 6:00) to say it would be “closer to 11:00″. Uh, yeah. And the baby is not feeling well. And the furnace broke. Again. And I was suppose to be at the office today but couldn’t go in (see furnace and sick baby). Oh, and it’s snowing. GET ME A COCKTAIL STAT!
Sarah the Spunky Mommy’s last blog post..So $150 wasn’t a bargain
Devilish Southern Belle
March 19, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Yes, indeed! There are always issues at work with the SAH parent. I feel for you there! I hope your reinforcement came quickly!
Devilish Southern Belle’s last blog post..Random catching up….
Danielle
March 19, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Ugh, you are so right- and it’s not just stay-at-homer’s either.
I get so ticked when my husband is late. When he misses those precious few hours between school and bedtime.
(This may be my first time commenting. I can’t remember. If it is, Hi!)
Danielle’s last blog post..Those Moments That Just *Make* Mommy-dom
Nicole
March 19, 2008 at 9:32 pm
My husband has has just stopped answering the phone when the call is from me at 4:53. He knows its the dreaded “Hey…hows the day? Good…what time ya thinkin you’re going to get home”
I do find that if I run an errand or go to the library from 3-5ish, it makes the kids easier to put to bed and I am not as frazzled come dinner time, plus, I have three under four, so just going to get bread takes an hour.
Betsy Bird
March 19, 2008 at 10:37 pm
When my kids were little, the words “business trip” could make me cry.
Betsy Bird’s last blog post..If Yesterday Was Tuesday, Then What’s the Name of This One Again??
Rachel
March 20, 2008 at 12:04 am
Amen sister. From one SAHM to another, I know just what you are talking about. And yes, I have had that kind of day today.
Rachel’s last blog post..WOW!
Laura McIntyre
March 20, 2008 at 5:43 am
I hate the “gonna be late ” thing , DH is terrible for just “popping to the shops” or something before coming home as i sit and cry with two screaming kids hanging of my legs
Laura McIntyre’s last blog post..A Rite Of Passage
Becki
March 20, 2008 at 8:06 am
Truer words were never spoken.
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Stimey
Twitter: Stimey
March 20, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Exactly.
The only thing I would add is that the call is even lamer when you get it at or after the time you are expecting your reinforcements to be home.
Stimey’s last blog post..How Did This Happen?
Dawn
March 20, 2008 at 10:42 pm
I’d say my boss was full of shit – but I know differently – I change the diapers.
Dawn’s last blog post..First Words
HRH
March 22, 2008 at 8:52 am
Hi. Welcome to my life. daily.
HRH’s last blog post..How much is that doggie in the window?
the new girl
March 22, 2008 at 4:46 pm
SING IT, SISTER.
I never knew the pain and The Man can only *imagine* what it’s like.
the new girl’s last blog post..‘Ask The Internets Week’ Episode 4
Sentences that get my husband in trouble | Playgroups are No Place For Children
November 8, 2008 at 7:06 am
[...] 2. I’m going to be late. [...]