September 30, 2015
My Son Needs ME

Eight years ago, when I was pregnant with my son, I would listen to you fiercely demand that mothers stay home with their children.  I KNEW you were right, but I refused to admit that I was a mom who was willing to abandon my child to hired help.  I rationalized my decision saying to myself that day care was going to be good for him.  He would learn to socialize with other children.  I visited the day care and saw that they were "good people" On and on with the rationalizations.

I'm a social worker and was coming home from work frustrated and tired.  He needed me and all I could think of was the next day dealing with homeless families, drug addicts and the chronically homeless.  I finally decided that the most important goal in my life was NOT to help the homeless, NOT to save the addicts, but to raise my son...to raise my son NOT to be homeless, NOT to be an addict, but to be a man with values and strength and respect.

I have quit my job and obtained another that allows me to work from home.  It pays less, but that's okay.  I'll be able to pay the mortgage and bills, but I won't be able to buy him a lot of extras.  But that's okay.  He doesn't want THINGS - he wants ME.
Thank you, Dr. Laura for telling the truth, for hanging up on us and letting us THINK about what you said, and mostly for not allowing me to make excuses. I have never called you, but I listen to you all the time.  While I'm scared to make this transition from career fanatic to stay at home mommy, all I have to do is look at my son's face and know I am doing the right thing.

Tamara


Posted by Staff at 10:59 AM