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| Lauren and me |
As a working mum, I am always giving myself a hard time about not being able to spend more time with Lauren. Trying to squeeze in time for her after a ten hour day spent commuting and working often leaves me feeling frazzled. I’d love to work less (or not at all) and be at home more. But working brings in that second wage which allows us to do all the other things we love to do.
Of course, these financial needs are not the only ones to be considered. There is the need for intellectual stimulation as well. I took a step back from my career after Lauren was born, choosing to work part time and taking a job with less responsibility. My priorities had changed. No longer was I inclined to work, work, work silly hours. But I still needed to feel connected to the rest of the world and know that I still had a brain. I also enjoy going into the office and spending time with my colleagues – just being me, rather than being defined as “Lauren’s mum”.
So I absolutely love being able to take time off during the school holidays to do stuff with Lauren. And over Easter we crammed in as much as possible. All the better for having been blessed with the most glorious April – the hottest on record – with temperatures soaring to 27 degrees !
We took a trip to the cinema with Lauren’s friend Emily, picked some new books out at the Library, managed a bit of girlie shopping and lunching and had a lovely afternoon at The Discovery Centre with Libby (where we happily and unexpectedly bumped into some other friends too). Later in the week eleven of us had a picnic out at the Forest of Marston Vale, Lauren went to Gulliver’s World with her dad (I wimped out of that one - me and fairground rides do not get on!) and we achieved another successful girlie shopping and lunch trip. The week culminated in a mammoth BBQ with the neighbours - good food, good wine, good company, GREAT water fights.
I feel really fortunate to have struck a great balance in my life, one from which I think the whole family benefits. And best of all? I have a bright, well balanced (if a little crazy) daughter, who is - above all - happy.
Sounds like a wonderful break!
ReplyDeleteI must admit, when I gave up working, I did feel like I was giving up a little piece of my freedom. So I spent time trying to find things for us to do and getting out making new friends. It's so much nicer now both boys are in school - meeting the other mom's and being involved in 2 PTA's, working at the preschool -- I've found a new niche! Now, the thought of going back to work full time gives me the shakes! :)
So glad you've found balance! The most important thing is finding something that makes the whole family work together. Sounds like Lauren is lovely and happy!