Working Moms

Let me start off by saying the term "Working Mom" is redundant. All moms are working moms and they are some of the hardest working people I can think of.

Now that we've established that, there are those of us who have to have a job outside of the home. It is a tough choice that must be made. Actually, for some of us (most of the people I know) this is not a choice at all. If I want to provide the best life possible for my little boy, I have to work. That's all there is to it. I don't have the option to stay home. This is not 1950-whatever and with bills and a mortgage and trying to save because who knows what is going to happen in this economy; we are in an era where a single income household is not the norm.

I often wish I could stay home with JJ. It is not because I feel strongly about a woman needing to be in the home, but I also don't think I am especially "empowered" because I am a "working woman." I wish I could stay home because I miss my son. It is hard not being with him all day, not listening to his infectious laugh (like he's doing as he is sitting next to me watching type), not watching him as he looks at the world in wonder and amazement because everything is new to him. And what mom doesn't think she's the best person to care for her own child?

The reality is, like most moms I know, I have to have a job to help provide for my family. My mom was a working mom and she always made time for us growing up. She was a police officer for Santa Ana PD and worked very hard, but she was always available no matter what: if we were sick or needed a parent volunteer for a field trip or a room mom. Anything. I never once felt like I was gipped out of anything by having a mom who worked. I knew I was loved and cared for and was never left wanting for anything. I had a great childhood.

Knowing the situation is what it is, we always make time to spend together as a family. JJ knows me and gets very excited when I pick him up from Grandma's house after work. He is growing up healthy and happy and he is going to be super smart, I can tell already.

I think Stay at Home Moms are amazing. I think Working Moms are amazing. So, the moral of this little rant is please don't judge one way or the other. My life is amazing and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I think all my mom friends would agree, regardless of their work situation.

*In case you were thinking "did something happen to inspire this blog?" Yes. I over heard a conversation between two girls who were judging working moms and saying some very nasty things, even though neither of them are moms nor close to becoming one.