When talking to women about how a mother can leave their child to return to work, most comments are from a mother’s perspective. I kept thinking – well, what about the child’s perspective? So, I did a job performance review and evaluation as though it were from a child.
Attendance: Out of a 14-hour work day (the hours I’m awake), you were someplace else for 9 hours. That leaves precious little time for me and the job I hired you to do before I have to go to bed.
Attitude: In the mornings, you are in a rush and don’t have time to cuddle or play. My breakfast is usually simple and hurried. In the evenings, when you are “on the job,” you’re tired from whatever you do when you’re somewhere else. And you are often preoccupied with other things when we ARE together. I need a mom who is focused and has a good attitude, not rushing off to get things done somewhere else. I need smiles and cuddles and warmth and LOTS of leisurely time with you.
Achievement: I am depending on you to help my brain grow and develop. Since you’re not with me, I’m dependent on others who have different ideas and values from you. Who is my real mom? The person I spend most of my time with and learning from should be my mother, but sadly, you are not here to do it. I don’t care about a bigger house or a better car.
Overall performance: You are failing in the job of being my mother, the job I hired you to do. Just because you have hired the best nanny or taken me to the best day care, doesn’t make it right for me. Being my mother is YOUR job. Most of how I will be for the rest of my life will be built in the first five years of my life. I want what I learn to be learned from my parents. I want you with me for my waking hours, which are so very important for how I will live and enjoy the rest of my life.
Kim
A Job Performance Review for My Mom
