One of the ways many of us survive as working moms is to tell ourselves that we are trading off spending time with our young children (1) to provide for them in a financial way that enables us to do things perhaps our parents couldn't do for us and (2) by going to work we act as role models for them. Showing them, especially our young girls that women can work as well as be moms. The old, "you can have it all" myth.
As Amelia gets older I try to talk to her about what mommy does at work so she understands what mommy is doing when she's not with her. However, all my efforts do not appear to be paying off as she has a pretty strange idea of what I do at the office. Take this conversation in the car the other day. (I really REALLY wish I had a video camera mounted in my car because seriously? The best stuff ever is said by her in that car)
ME: So, honey did you have a good day at school?
AMELIA: Yeah, I did a new sewing job.
ME: (ooh... teaching moment) Oh that's good honey, mommy did her jobs at work too.
AMELIA: Yeah. I know that you were at work.
ME: What do you think Mommy does at work honey?
AMELIA: You play with your friends and eat gum.
(sad trombone noise)
Lately I've also been asking my friends' kids what they think their mommies are doing at work. The best one I heard so far was last night as I was driving my friend's daughter Mia in my car (see??!! best things ever are said in the car). We were driving past some downtown buildings and Mia points at one of the big buildings:
MIA: My daddy works in a big building.
Me: I know he does. What does your daddy do at work?
MIA: He works with his friends. He writes on paper.
Me: That sounds like a fun job.
MIA: Yeah.
Me: What does your mommy do at work?
MIA: (Looks at me like I'm crazy) My momma doesn't work!
Me: Oh she doesn't? (yes she does...and works hard) What does your mommy do all day when you are at school?
MIA: She goes swimming.
Oh well - so much for us being role models.