My parents owned a business and my mom worked there full-time. Fortunately, my grandmother lived with us, and she was always there for my sister and me. One of the many awful memories I have as a child is not being able to get sick. If I got sick on Mom’s day off, she would say “why do you have to get sick on my one day off?” Or conversely, “Why are you getting sick when I have to go to work?” I lived in a “lose-lose” situation. Without question, I knew that when I grew up, I’d be a stay-at-home mom. And I was.
When my oldest son was in sixth grade, he and a friend (who had a working mom) got into trouble together. I grounded my son and had him write an essay about responsibility. When I had both boys in the car, my son complained about the assignment. His friend said “Don’t complain. You’re lucky your mom cares enough to ground you.” My son was silent. My heart ached for his friend.
My son passed away four years ago. At his funeral, one of his friends ended his remarks by saying “He loved his mother so much.” I think I stopped breathing when I heard that. It would have been so tragic if I had gone back to work and missed his precious life.
So, moms, stay home and raise your children. Photos, videos, nanny cams and FaceTime are no substitute for being there. Give your children a reason to tell their friends that you’re the best mom ever.
Judi
Why Moms Really Need to Be There for Their Kids
