Working Moms

Does the term "working mom" sound at all redundant? At all redundant? Exactly. Do we say someone has a sick illness, or a hungry hunger? No, because that would sound silly. So, why do we say someone is a working mom? Doesn't the definition of "mom" imply that work is involved? A lot of work? More work than pretty much any other job out there? A job from which you can't retire, or take a vacation, or even a sick day? Now, I know that the term really refers to a mother who works outside of the home, such as myself. Yet, I have several friends who work a lot harder than I do, and they stay home all day with their kids. Yet, they're called "stay-at-home" moms. Gee, when I used to "stay at home", I'd lay on the couch and watch tv all day - that was called 'being single on a weekend.' Yet that is the farthest from what these women do. Instead, they play, clean, play, change diapers, play, do laundry, play, make cute little arts and crafts, play, clean again, feed, play, clean for the 3rd time, breathe, play, etc.

I have the rare opportunity to do both - leave for work 3 days/week, and stay home 4 days/week. I can understand the responsibility of being a 'working' mom and a 'stay at home' mom, and both have their positives and negatives. What remains a constant though, is that I'm there for my children - not necessarily physically "there," but available, and they are always there for me - in my heart and in my mind - constantly. I've learned to leave the stress of life behind me when I'm with them - they don't need to know my problems, or feel that from me. Stress isn't good for anyone, much less children, and even less when they sense it from their parents. Kids need to feel relaxed, free, eased, comfortable, and loved, and they get that, in part, from their emotional and physical attachments to their parents. So, whether or not you stay home, or work outside of the home, or have a home office, being a mom (or dad) is one of the hardest and most demanding (if not THE most) jobs there is, yet how wonderful is it to have your child wrap their arms around you and hug you like you are the best thing they've ever known. It makes everything worthwhile - just make sure to savor it.