Being a Working Mom

IMG_20131006_125212I am a full-time Wife, Mom, and I also work at a local bank during the day.  Sometimes it’s hard to manage everything and I have a constant over-commitment problem…but somehow, through God’s grace I make it through each day.

I remember coming home from the hospital with Connor thinking “How am I ever going to be able to leave him?”. We were fortunate enough that we had family watching him the first couple years of his life while I worked – that made me feel a little bit better. Still, the first week going back to work after only being home with my baby for 8 short weeks was TOUGH! I cried and cried on my way to work….I’ll never forget that day.

Turns out everything worked out just fine and we eventually found our groove. It took a few weeks and good communication back and forth, but we finally got in a routine.

Now that he’s a little bit older and enrolled in a pre-school program I can see how he’s blossomed. The friendships he’s made and skills he’s learned from constant attention throughout the day are very noticeable. I know these are things I wouldn’t be able to give him at home. On the flip side, I don’t resent my child and I look forward to picking him up every day after school. He’s excited to see me and I’m equally excited to see him! But I enjoy the adult interaction I get during the day. It’s a routine that has worked for us.  Now, YES, there are days I wish I could just lay in bed and snuggle with him and have that one on one time. Sometimes I do feel like I’ve short-changed the kid and he’s not getting enough personal attention from me or my husband Terence, but you can’t beat yourself up over that.

I’m not even going to get started into the “Mommy Wars”. What’s best for you and your family, whether you work or not is a VERY PERSONAL decision. Never judge. You don’t know me and I don’t know you!

I keep a very detailed calendar. My days are full and my nights are longer. I’m guilty of putting my kid in front of the TV for an hour in exchange for some peace and quiet. I’m not a master chef and we probably eat more frozen pizza than one should (though I am pretty sure on both of these accounts, many of my stay-at-home counterparts are guilty of the same). I run around scatter brained, with a large pile of laundry that is constantly needing folding, and my car is full of cracker crumbs…..but you know what? I wouldn’t change one darn thing!

Working, school, and loving life is where we’ve found our groove. I honestly think being a stay-at-home mom would be harder for me – I’d go nutso! So props to all you stay at home moms You rock! I may drink way too much coffee and drive a long commute every day, but even in the car I find those are when some of our best mommy/son conversations happen.

No matter what your calling is as a mother…it’s yours.  Don’t be ashamed and enjoy each moment because life is too short to wonder “what if I did it this way?”

Working moms – any tips you’ve found that help you balance everything?

1 COMMENT

  1. I loved your honesty and feel the same way. I am a full-time working mom. It is hard but worth every second. I too have used the wonderful thing called Television and my little is doing just fine:) Those that say they have never let their kiddos watch TV before two are in denial lol. I always say, what ever works best for you and your family. It takes a village to raise a child these days. Keep up the great work and keep God at the head of your table. All will fall into place. So I’ve heard:)

    Cheers!
    Crys

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