Working Moms, by Guest Writer Camille
by admin on August 12, 2010
Camille is an amazing mother of 2 who takes motherhood seriously. She is a great example to us all! She says, “I love dancing with my girls, reading with my girls, and playing with my girls. My number one concern in life is their well-being and happiness, and I’m constantly thinking of ways to maximize my limited time I spend with them.” Read how she makes it work at www.makeitworkmom.com.
All throughout my growing up years, I knew I wanted to be a Stay at Home Mom, mostly because of the example from my own mom, but also because of the importance I felt that it was to spend that time with my children.
I have been a mother, now, for almost 6 years and have never had the opportunity or option to stay at home with my children. Because of that demand, I have kept a full-time schedule with a position that requires me to work outside the home.
I know of some women who prefer this option because their career gives them a sense of identity, or serves as a means for feeling accomplished. For others, like me, it’s a source of income. Whatever the reason for a full-time job, the working mom deals with a unique set of issues that come along with motherhood:
* Finding and trusting a daycare provider
* Coordinating transportation for school-aged children
* Limited time in the evenings to spend with children, which usually translates to simple meals or eating out.
* “Missing out” on daytime play dates with neighborhood friends
* Possibly “missing out” on particular milestones throughout children’s development
* Searching for the best answers to children’s questions as to why “Sally’s mom” stays home with her, but theirs can’t?
Sure, I’m not the definition of Dr. Laura’s ideal mom, and according to her, I may be contributing to the demise of my children’s success for working outside the home, but there are ways a working mom can still be a mother to her children:
* Maximize the quality of the limited time we have with our children
* Take advantage of any vacation days or holidays from work to spend doing those things you feel you miss out on while at work.
* Create special “traditions” with your children.
* Send notes in children’s lunch boxes/backpacks or diaper bags for them to see while you are at work that will help them be reminded of you.
* Make a phone call during the day when able, to talk with your child.
I recognize that every mom has different situations, whether SAHM, WAHM, and working moms – even within the same category – but one thing we all have in common is the desire to be the best mom to their greatest assets, and it comes with its challenges. We all wish we had endless energy, endless hours in a day, and an endless resource of answers. We seem to think the grass is always greener in someone else’s yard and that we have it the hardest while someone in a different category has it so much easier.
What I’ve finally come to realize is that I have to appreciate the positive of my own situation. I’m working because this is the best way I know to provide for my family. I do enjoy my job, and the relationship that I have with my girls. As long as they’re secure in my feelings for them, and I can overcome the occasional pleas to stay home from work, we’re able to make this work. And I think my girls will survive life after all, despite what Dr. Laura preaches.
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working moms
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
You have an amazing ability to make the best of your situation. I don’t think any mom is ever free of guilt when it comes to her children. Mom’s will always feel they could do better. I liked your comments because they didn’t focus on guilt but instead focused on positive actions and thoughts. You are an example that when we focus on what we can do and not on what we can’t do we are oh so much more successful. You are a great mom to some pretty great girls.
I really love Dr. Lauras advice. Where and when did you first hear it? Did you go looking for that info or did it come to you?
Oh I just love those pictures. I also love your list. There are valuable ideas in that list for all sorts of moms.
And I love your positive attitude. That is one thing I can be fabulous about on some days and miserable about on other days. The positive days are better than the days I go around grumbling and resentful.