Invisible labour

This morning when Blythe and I were getting ready for work and school she said to me, "You're not really a mom anymore."  And I know what she means.  Blythe takes good care of herself - she gets up in the morning on her own, showers, does her own hair, gets ready for school, packs her own lunch, leaves for the bus on time, or is ready to walk out the door if we are driving for bear patrol.  She can prepare her own food and is always ready to go on time for her activities.  Such a lovely kid.  

But I am reminded by her comment that the harder you work as a mom, the better you are at homemaking and communicating and care the more invisible your labor becomes.  

Blythe wakes up and flips on a light, hops in a warm shower full of products she likes, grabs a clean towel from the linen closet, picks an outfit from neatly organized clothes in her dresser, packs lunch and eats breakfast with food from the pantry and fridge, volunteers for morning carpool help at school, drama club, carpool rides home, horses, dance and soccer in the evenings. Eats dinner every night. Climbs into a made bed with clean sheets and talks to a nice mom while she reads an endless supply of library requested books before falling asleep. She enjoys playdates with friends, and looks forward to weekend hikes and bike rides. 

And when it all works so seamlessly you can't even see the invisible labour behind it all.