On topics fromunder-boob sweattoMayochup, Emily Flake has a lot to say.
Or, rather, draw.
Heres how she parents.
Did life happen mostly as planned or were there surprises?
Family-wise, Ive been with my husband since 2004.
She loves this storyYou thought I was a poop!!!
Career-wise, I am pleased to report that I have been plotting this shit from day one.
What are your best tricks for getting out the door?
Hahahah, my best trick is that I make John do it.
Hes a morning personhe wakes up naturally around 5 or 6and he wakes me and Tug up.
I braid her hair, but besides that Ill cheerfully cop to being useless in the morning.
How much outside help do you get as a parent?
Who or what cant you live without?
The question of help is an important one.
Its fraught in terms of both emotion (am I a bad mom for leaving her in day care?
will she love the nanny more?)
and money (can we afford it?
are we ashamed if we cant?
or if we can?).
We had Tug in daycare starting at …
I want to say 7 months?
We were on a waiting list starting at 2 months.
It was the cheapest onean average of $8 an hour.
My husband picks up two days a week.
We are incredibly lucky to have this setup.
What are the gadgets, apps, charts or tools you rely on?
Have you come across an unusual parenting product thats been life-changing?
She has a bazillion games on my phone, because I am a lackluster parent at best.
Her favorites are Roblox and some kind of Word Scramble thing.
Has becoming a parent changed the way you work?
of my worst impulses in that area.
The specter of not being able to provide is a terrific motivator.
Whats your greatest parenting hack?
Thats more of a give her something to talk about in therapy someday than a hack.
Whats been your proudest moment as a parent?
and farted as hard as she could.
The specter of not being able to provide is a terrific motivator.
What moment are you least proud of?
I can think of more than one instance of losing my temper.
What do you want your kid to learn from your example?
Probably shes just learning how to curse creatively, though.
What are your favorite funny/weird/special family rituals?
Every morning on she says on her way out the door I love you!
Ill love you even after I die!
so thats a sweet and utterly macabre way to start the day.
Has anyone ever given you a piece of parenting advice that has really stuck with you?
I find myself thinking of that bromide at least once a day.
Whats the hardest part about being a parent?
UGH TIME WHERE IS IT HOW DO I GET MORE
Whats your favorite part of the day?
Right after the second cup of coffee, when I feel optimistic and capable.
That, and SNUGGLE TIME.
Im a big believer in cheerful fuck-it-ism.
