I am a working mom {at a public job}. I have 2 young children, ages 2 and 4…and I, like most all working mothers, spend more time with my co-workers than I do my own family. I have to be honest…that is something I have always struggled with. There are days when I drop my kids off and have the biggest lump in my throat because I realize that their teachers and babysitters get to have that entire day with them, and I am missing that. Sometimes it is very difficult to grasp that by the time I come home, cook supper and get baths, I may only get 1 hour or so to truly spend with them. While I definitely try not to dwell on this all of the time, the truth of the matter is, it is always in my heart and in the back of my mind.
One day, while I was at work, one of my co-workers made a statement that has stuck with me ever since. She said, “I just always tried to remember that it wasn’t about the quantity of time, but it was about the quality of time.” Her boys are now in high school and college, and she has worked their entire lives. I know there were days that she felt just like I do. I know it wasn’t easy, just like it isn’t easy for me. But as I am in this specific stage of my life, I will chose to remember those words and live by them. Whether I get 24 hours a day or 3, I have to remember that the quality of time spent with those children and the rest of my family is what is most important. When I am home, they will have ME. They will not just have a physical being, but they will have ME. I will be making sure to make the most of that time, no matter how little it is. I am making it count. Just as I want quality work for my time at my job, I want quality work for the time in my home. That means being invested and making the most of every second.
So, as we head into the “busy” time of year with all of the holidays approaching, I want to encourage all of the working moms out there that may be struggling with the amount of time they have with their babies. Try to keep this in mind…”It isn’t about the quantity of time, it is about the quality.” Be present.
Good verse to remember as we work each day:
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
Have a great week ahead! 🙂
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Last Updated on October 18, 2015
Brooke, I am so excited for you, and encourage you and your family to keep up the good work, Still want to learn more about chalk painting!!!
Thank you Diane 🙂 I appreciate that so much. I can teach you anytime!
Are you in my head?!?!? I have been struggling with this so badly for the last month or so. It’s been almost a non-stop battle in my heart for the last several weeks. I feel horrible that when Hannah just wants to cuddle, I have to cook dinner, or clean up the kitchen, or “insert mom/wife duty here.” I let a lot of things slide around the house, but I mean, I have to feed my family. I will try to focus on spending more quality time with her rather than worrying about the amount of time. Thanks, friend!
I think we are just going through this same phase of life together…and that phase has us in the same boat alot of times! You are a great mother…and a great friend! Love you!
Thank you so much for sharing. I struggle with a feeling of “loss” each and everyday that I leave Samantha. I struggled leaving Tanner too. There’s something about being a mom and leaving your kids that hurts. I’ve even given up having any sort of social life because I leave her 5-days per week. I wish there was a happy median. I’ve often said these exact words to myself on the worst days. Still; I hate leaving them! Of course we have to eat, have a home, etc, but gosh how I wish I could stay with them always.
I don’t think it will ever be easy to leave them, no matter what…but, as long as we can remember to give them all we have when we are with them, that is what they will carry with them all of their days. They won’t even remember the times we weren’t there…just the times that we were 🙂
Be present at home when you are there
and at work when you are there.
Seperate them by a lndmake when you are commuting…It could be your office door !!
I wish I would have done it
Love JOYce
Thank you for those words, Joyce.
Lovely verse and well written post. My days for that are behind me but I can still appreciate the struggle. The teacher and the daycare provider are probably having the same one.
Thank you, Wendy! I appreciate that. You know, you are so right. I never give it a whole lot of thought, but when we take our own kids, they leave theirs. Thank you.
Well, your kids are lucky in the first place for having a mother who cares that much. And wow, you really have superpower to manage with the kids, the job and the blog.
I think the quality is indeed more important than the quantity.
Thank you very much, Gabriela! 🙂 I seriously appreciate that encouragement!!!!