Sometimes, Only Mommy Will Do

Saturday evening, I was supposed to pick up my son from his birthday party at 9 p.m.—which also happened to be my daughter’s bedtime.

Yes, I know I have a husband who could help, either by getting him or putting her to bed. But I had already nominated him to get up super early the next morning to chauffeur our son to a robotics tournament. And if he tried to put her to bed, they’d just chat until I got back.

So I thought the best chance I had of getting her to sleep was to put her in my room, say good night, and leave.

Of course, she didn’t want me to leave, and I had to peel myself away.

When I got to the party, I saw my friend helping her daughter shuffle up the stairs. She said she’d be up in a minute, and when her dad offered to go with her, the little girl replied, “But I want Mommy.” Wait—I just went through this! As my friend headed upstairs, she looked at me and said, “Hi, I’m so sorry.” I just laughed and said, “Go. I just did this.”

And when I got home that night… yep, my daughter was still awake.

Sometimes, only Mommy will do. And while it’s flattering and heartwarming to be wanted so fiercely, it’s also exasperating when no one else can fill in. Being irreplaceable can feel both wonderful and exhausting—a reminder that some things in parenting, like love and presence, can’t be outsourced.

Have you ever had one of those “only me” moments? I’d love to hear your stories—share them in the comments or tag a fellow parent who knows the feeling.