Rock Star- May 15, 2012
At lunch today I went to the grocery store because I hate doing things before and after work. It takes away my family time. It’s the curse of the working mother. I count the hours, sometimes the minutes I get to spend with my child each weekday. Sadly I get about an hour in the morning and 2-3 hours in the evening. A maximum of 4 hours Monday through Friday.
That leaves me 20 hours of missing my daughter.
The missing reached new heights during my shopping trip. I loaded my cart, pondering which meats and vegetables would make the most balanced meals for my family. I looked over at another woman doing the same thing. She was about my age and had a daughter about Charlotte’s age. I noticed her engagement ring and wedding band were even similar to mine.
She had on sandals, a freshly washed face, and still-damp hair. She was even wearing one of those “Stay At Home Rock Star” t-shirts. Her daughter cooed, smiled and reached out for her mom. I looked down at my high-heels as my phone bleeped with unanswered emails. I looked back at this woman and wondered what she had done today. Did she go for a swim lesson with her daughter? Is that why her hair is wet? What is she cooking that I have no time to cook? I rushed back to the office for a conference call, pretending to ignore this woman laughing with her baby as they casually strolled through the parking lot.
I’m never sad to go back to the office. I like my job and my coworkers, but only having 4 hours is rough. When I got to school to pick up Charlotte she greeted me with all her toddler enthusiasm. Her teachers filled me in on her growth and development that I missed that day.
I have to remind myself that it’s quality time that counts and I can’t compare myself to that other mom. I’m a Rock Star too.
Disclaimer: This is not a slam on this t-shirt or the moms who wear them. I think they’re cute. I also believe ALL mothers are working mothers. You can find them here: http://www.stayathomerockstar.bigcartel.com/
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Great blog Amy!! I feel the same way. I literally count every minute I get with my daughter and try to make them count. There are no errands before of after work for me either, that’s what lunch break is for
Thanks Brandi! Me too! Every hour!
Sometimes I find that as a SAHM I totally take my time with my kids for granted. (Okay, I OFTEN…or USUALLY…do so!) I think one plus of being a working mom is that many times working moms are more “conscious” of the time they have with their kids. They appreciate that time, and appreciate their kids.
Thanks for those kind words Beth! Sometimes I feel like SAHM’s and WOOTHM’s are critical of each other. I just hate that! I just envy SAHM’s sometimes. On the other hand, I’ve heard SAHM’s say they envy my job. Crazy!