From Dispatcher Mode to Mom Mode: My Evening Reset Ritual

When I come home from a long shift at the dispatch center, all I want to do is change my clothes, snuggle with my dogs and take a nice nap on the couch. I always dream of having a peaceful afternoon and evening, but with kids, that’s usually a fleeting thought.

now that school is back in full swing, I love coming home in the mornings after a long 24-hour shift, and seeing my daughter’s smiling face because she’s so happy I’m home. My son is usually gone by the time I get home from work because his bus comes before I get off, but in the afternoons when he gets home, we have about an hour all to ourselves.

He gets my undivided attention. He can show me any new songs he’s learned on any of his various instruments. I can indulge him and see how fast he can solve a Rubik’s Cube. We can just sit and watch TikTok or Instagram Reels. It’s all about the quality time you have together and how you choose to spend it.

Once my daughter gets home, it’s no holds barred. Chaos everywhere. She’s a little tornado of sass and energy. I love how she never slows down for anyone. She wants to practice her gymnastics everywhere we go. She loves to snuggle on the couch when it gets close to Bedtime.

My evening reset ritual: Come home and enjoy spending time with my family.

Whatever had happened at work the previous day, never holds a candle to what I have waiting for me at home. There are going to be rough calls that all of us dispatchers and first responders have to deal with, but we have to learn how to compartmentalize the bad things when we take that headset off and head home. Bring the good and joyful things to the forefront of your mind.

Live your life for you, but Love your life for your family.