Jun
05
2008
Extensions
Another day, another working mom post. Really, it’s not that we want to dwell, or that we at SaraBear define ourselves as working moms, because we don’t. We aren’t, or if we are, than our husbands are certainly “working dads,” a point illustrated very effectively by the lovely Andi at Poot and Cubby. It’s just that as we march forward, whether it’s at SaraBear, or the grocery store, or in our day-to-day routine at home, there are immutable realities to parenting.
Some things you can do and some things you can’t. Without help.
Ah, help, a devilish mistress. How do you find help these days? How do you accept it, or harder still, how do you ask for it? Are you failing as a wife, mother, person, employee if you ask for help? Is it realistic to expect that at some point you can catch a break? Find a sitter? An unscheduled hour thanks to an unexpected nap? I can’t remember the last time I went to the bathroom by myself, let alone the store.
There is so much to do between feeding and playing, cleaning and organizing, talking and teaching. What do you delegate and what do you manage on your own? Or do you do it all on your own? As wonderful as it can be to bring the kids in to work, some days it just doesn’t work. Cranky toddlers clinging to your legs and stern accounts receivable clerks in your ear are a highly combustible combination, which is why, sometimes the little ones related to SaraBear are not here.
While we are working, heads down, fingers clacking on keyboards and phones pressed to ears they are off playing. They read stories and make art projects. They cuddle and giggle, nap and snack. They are entertained, challenged and nurtured by special people, extensions of ourselves, allowing us to manage all the parts of our lives, delegating a small portion of our responsibility as parents. Not an abdication of duty, rather the keeping of a promise. Loving our kids, with us or not.
Nancy, an open set of arms as the kids get off the bus and a whole lot of peace of mind several afternoons a week, thank you for all that you do!
