Are you a working mom? Take the test

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I keep running lists of things I never thought I'd say as a parent. You know, things like "Don't lick the microwave" and "Pennies are not for eating" and "No, you can't ride the dog." The other day, as I flaked dried applesauce off of the sleeve of my favorite black blazer, I looked at the "Dora the Explorer" bandage on my cut finger and decided to start another list: My top 10 signs you're a working Mom.

So, with apologies to David Letterman (and possibly Jeff Foxworthy), you know you're a working mom if...

1.) You put things you've already done on your to-do list, just so you have something to cross off immediately.

2.) You've lost weight, and you realize that it's probably because all you're eating is whatever is left on your toddler's plate after dinner.

3.) You've gained weight, and you realize that it's probably because you're eating whatever is left on your toddler's plate after dinner in addition to your own meal.

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4.) You've arrived at the office with the dried remains of something your kids ate on your clothes.

5.) You keep two sets of two looped-together ponytail holders in your desk drawer and you know how to use them.

6.) You deliberately remove your contact lenses before you get in the shower because you don't really want to know what it looks like in there and you don't have time to do anything about it before work anyway.

7.) You don't know how NOT to multitask.

8.) You've text-messaged with your teen while in mid-conference call with someone else.

9.) You "dryer-iron" more often than you dry clean.

10.) The first day of kindergarten was emotional and poignant but, overall, you were more psyched than sad about it.

What signs have you seen that show you're a working mom?

Lylah M. Alphonse is a full-time editor, a freelance writer, and mom and step mom to five kids. She writes about juggling career and parenthood at The 36-Hour Day on Work It, Mom!, and blogs about writing at Write. Edit. Repeat.

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Comments 1-5 of 5
  • More's Avatar
    Posted by More Tue Aug 5, 2008 7:11am PDT

    I couldn't find a job that would pay enough to cover daycare for twins, and let me have any money leftover for bills. I started looking online for stuff I could do from home and found some great places. I have made a list of places that I have used (only free ones), I know they're all legit because I don’t list them until I've been paid by them. I do have survey sites listed; only the ones that I know for sure work. The 2nd place I listed is totally different. You design and run your own jewelry web store. You don't buy inventory or anything; you make commission from the sales. In my opinion it's a win-win situation. You can see my list and details on these places at http://www.freewebs.com/free2workathome/

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  • Campbell's Soup's Avatar
    Posted by Campbell's Soup Tue Aug 5, 2008 8:52am PDT

    are you serious. that is the comment you leave after reading this article. I enjoyed your article and found it amusing. I am looking forward to Kindergarten but am sad too. Just glad I wont' have to pay day care as much =)

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  • Kelly's Avatar
    Posted by Kelly Tue Aug 5, 2008 9:24am PDT

    At least I am not alone. One to add.

    You know your a working mom when you reach for the office key's because your boss left his at home, you find the gum your son "tossed out the window" attached.

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  • Jill's Avatar
    Posted by Jill Tue Aug 5, 2008 10:09am PDT

    i know i'm a working mom now that i am able to do the mickey mouse club "hot dog" dance while wearing a suit stilettos.

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  • bap's Avatar
    Posted by bap Tue Aug 5, 2008 6:48pm PDT

    You know you are a working mom when you reach into your purse for a pen and all you can find to write with are the crayons left over from the Elias Brothers dinner last Sunday, which is equal to "quality time eating at the same dinner table" (without me doing the cooking!)...coming from a mom of four...6, 7, 19, 21 and the first grandchild on the way!

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Comments 1-5 of 5

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