I don’t want you to work. I want you to just be home.

Think these words made me sad? Think again. I do work, and I work hard, and I have been struggling, of late, to get everything done and done well. But my writing work is important, and so, on a different level is the fact that I work at all. I want the kids to get that Rob and I both work, that we both worked hard to get to jobs that we enjoy and that help us all to lead the lives we enjoy. Just because Daddy goes to an office and Mommy doesn’t does not mean Mommy isn’t working. Bur sometimes I wonder how much that sinks in. I am pretty much around for them, when it comes to after school, stuff and such. It’s rare for me to say I can’t do something or be somewhere because I have to work.

But apparently not that rare, because today Lily uttered those magic words, and now I know, for sure, that when she looks back on her childhood she’ll remember that her mom took care of her AND had a job.

At least I hope she will remember that I took care of her!

To me, that’s a little score for my team. I can see how others might not see it that way, but I’ll take it.


7 Responses to “I don’t want you to work. I want you to just be home.”

  1. JK says:

    Mine say that to me all the time and it makes me want to quit my job… especially when I’m in the office from 10:30-6 in meetings from 10:30-4 with only 1/2 break. I’m struggling with that thing called balance. Bleh. My girls KNOW I work. Tonight, Three-a suggested that Daddy and I switch jobs for a while. Heh.

  2. Jolene says:

    I too value my work, but I wish I could afford to work 1/2 time. I could fulfill my desire to work and be there more for my kids. But alas, as a teacher I make more than my husband, so we must have two incomes.

    I actually appreciate you writing this. I would get slapped in the face by many people for saying this. My kids do not define me. They are mine, and I love them, and I take care of them the best I can–that is my first job. I make the tough decisions all the time to stay late in the classroom, but I have to and I too WANT my kids to know that mom and dad have worked hard to have what we have, which isn’t much, but we’ve done it ourselves. But you will not find me in a sweatshirt that reads “K and T’s Mom” for a sporting event!

  3. Lisen says:

    Two things: I WISH my mom had worked when I was growing up. Maybe then she’d have more of a life now, and we’d even get along some of the time. And I WISH I could figure out what to do “when I grow up” other than raising these kids b/c after 10 + years of the SAHM gig, I am so ready for another avenue toward fulfillment and a paycheck.

  4. well, i don’t work, but if it makes you feel better i’m sure there are times that my kids wished i did. like today. i’m sure they wish i wasn’t around today. lol

  5. well, i don’t work, but if it makes you feel better i’m sure there are times that my kids wished i did. like today. i’m sure they wish i wasn’t around today. lol

  6. I really am right with you (like, thisclose) in the can’t get it all done corner the want to work in that i value my work corner etc.

    There are days when it feels as if it’s working (ha) & days when… (deep-ish breath).

  7. Lilly says:

    Mine say that to me all the time and it makes me want to quit my job… especially when I’m in the office from 10:30-6 in meetings from 10:30-4 with only 1/2 break. I’m struggling with that thing called balance. Bleh. My girls KNOW I work. Tonight, Three-a suggested that Daddy and I switch jobs for a while. Heh.