It is not easy being a full time working, full time parenting mom of almost 20 month old twin boys. Not to mention my husband and I work seperate shifts so Monday - Friday it's practically single full time working, full time parenting for the both of us. Every morning I leave for work, my heart hurts. Every afternoon when I get a report of the fun they are having, my heart hurts more.
But the moment I walk in the door after a full days work, their eyes light up, and they say "Hieeeee!" That moment each day, makes my heart hurt a little less.
I sometimes dream of being a SAHM. Waking up to those beautiful faces each morning. Playing, laughing, snuggling, teaching and learning all day every day. But I have to admit, I don't think I can hack it. It's A LOT of work. (Props to all you SAHM's!) Part time working mom would be ideal, but that is just not in the cards for our family.
I honestly believe, having to go to work five days a week, nine to ten hours away from home a day, has made me a better mother. I'm not saying SAHM's (or dads) are less of a parent because they are home. I'm just saying, that my time with my children is very limited. Each and every minute with them is precious so I must make the best of those limited minutes each evening.
And I am so thankful for those minutes.
Julia, over at Sweet As Punkin Pie knows what it's like being a full time working, full time parenting mom. Every week she features another working mom, and this week she's featuring ME! Head on over to her place to say Hi and to read Working Mommy Wednesday. Thanks Julia!
Hi, just found you through the working mom feature. great to meet more working moms.
ReplyDeleteI do have to say I don't know how you do the split shift thing though. we've been squeeking by on my income because I just don't know how I'd manage flying solo every night after working and everything else!! but I know the ache of leaving. but I also agree that MOST days it makes me value the time more. I have my days though that staying at work doesn't sound so bad. (you know like after a really long and loud fighting filled 4 day holiday weekend)
But I think stay at home parents do often get used to the kids being there all the time and don't get down and DO stuff with them. I know at least my husband does.
Just stopping by to say hi! Nice to meet other working moms! Love your tip about working through lunch, it's great! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from Julia's-- don't you just love her blog?
ReplyDeleteI am also a working mom who dreams about being a SAHM... but then I think about what I'd give up in that process, and a lot of it would be ME-- who I am at the core. It's a tough inner struggle, isn't it?
~Elizabeth
http://confessionsfromaworkingmom.blogspot.com