The Value of a Working Mom
Sometimes meaningful parental moments come in the middle of another conversation. It usually has nothing to do with the topic at hand and is uncharacteristically transparent. Looking back, you wish there was a bright shining light demanding your attention so you could savor every second.
I had such a moment with my fourteen year old son just this past week. The filter in his ADHD brain telling him not to comment on certain things is underdeveloped even for his age while his critical thinking skills far exceed. This combination makes for very interesting and frequently frustrating conversations. Since he loves to talk, there is no shortage of either. This week he shocked me with, “I’m glad that you are a working mom.” Suprised, I asked for further clarification because he often complains how difficult his life is. Here are his responses.
“You don’t schedule your life around me.” Talk about a shocking statement coming from a boy who frequently complains of having no ride to the activity of the week! He explained that his friend’s mom chooses to rearrange her schedule to meet her son’s wants and desires. As a result, his friend has a skewed view that life is all about him. My son was astonished that his friends got whatever they wanted with no regard for how it impacted the rest of the family. By setting the standard that life is not about my son, he has learned to be less selfish.
“You work hard.” It is both frightening and encouraging to understand that children learn more from what is done rather than what is said. My son recounted a conversation he overheard from two mothers who were commenting on how difficult it must be to work and go to school at the same time. Having experienced this first hand with his mother, he was shocked to discover that not every mother did this. He then explained that by demonstrating what can be accomplished he had the motivation to work hard as well. By setting an example of hard work (it is important to note it is the example that is significant, not the words), he has learned self motivation.
“You and Dad don’t waste time.” By far this was the most confusing statement from my son especially since he seems to have little regard for his own time management. He then admitted to spending quite a bit of time listening in on adult conversations and made this observation. When time is a rare commodity, there is less gossip (his words) and more engaging discussions. Apparently, the conversations he overhears between his parents are deeper and more meaningful because there is less time to talk. By placing value on quality time and conversation, he has learned not to gossip.
Probably the hardest part of knowing that my son has learned these valuable lessons is understanding that he will frequently forget these lessons and become selfish, unmotivated and a gossip. However by continuing to set standards, living by example and placing value on the important things of life, the lessons can be continually reinforced making a positive difference in his life. As an added bonus, these lessons in turn encouraged me to keep going and greatly reduced the guilt often felt as a working mom.
Posted under: Parenting Writings from Christine
Christine this was fun to read and very enlightening. Your son sounds like an honest young man who is learning what is effective and valuable from you and your husband. Great job. I’m encouraged by his words. I have carried my own guilt with being a working mom, student and wife. Oh how exhausting. I’m glad to know there is light at the end of the seemingly dark tunnel. Thanks for sharing your insightful son with us. Just in time for Mother’s day. How awesome!
Thanks again.
Shanay
Thank you!