Oh, my heart! I could have written these words myself—particularly because I’m also in the liminal space just before my child enters kindergarten. What a time of reckoning. In large part with this:
“The human mind likes to think dualistically, and the culture war between working mothers and primary caregivers is no exception. Outsource your childcare, and now you have a second mortgage with a side of guilt and never-ending viruses; raise them yourself and prepare for people to chip away at your self-esteem with their condescension and ignorance.“
So beautiful written and so relatable. I’m sending lots of good vibes for a peaceful kindergarten transition!! So exciting!
I think if I could snap my fingers and have one obsessive thought loop disappear - it would be this one. I have a conversation with myself about this daily. This is the second year all 3 of mine are in school all day and I feel a pressure to “figure out what I’m doing” or a pressure to make money (not from my spouse, just because “that’s what people do”), or that I should be building my resume (I’m a teacher by trade so I feel like I should get on a sub list)… but at the end of the day, I don’t want to. I have two special needs kids and that is my full time gig right now. But I still pendulum swing daily between work and home. Listing the ways women in your family have negotiated their roles was so interesting and makes me think I should do the same.
I can’t believe I’m just now catching up on your write life balance!
I have little words honestly. I can feel your heart as if it were my own swell with both pride of your daughter and anguish of letting her skip into this next stage in life. (Sounds like she had a fantastic time!)
Life is chaotic and messy and beautiful. When we’re in the thick of it we can’t see in front of us but looking back - I just think wow.
Your questions have me pondering in big ways. Inner child work has been my focus lately..
I was lucky to be in Austria where maternity leave lasts a year and after that childcare is free/cheap. However it was also the pandemic a few months after I went back to work and I found the whole thing quite isolating. I should have made more effort to see my mom group. We were all overwhelmed. Lovely women. Most of us away from family and close friends (or old friends with kids). I guess no matter the work/financial situation, having those networks are so worth it. And maybe this is also a space for it! 💙💙💙
Oh, my heart! I could have written these words myself—particularly because I’m also in the liminal space just before my child enters kindergarten. What a time of reckoning. In large part with this:
“The human mind likes to think dualistically, and the culture war between working mothers and primary caregivers is no exception. Outsource your childcare, and now you have a second mortgage with a side of guilt and never-ending viruses; raise them yourself and prepare for people to chip away at your self-esteem with their condescension and ignorance.“
Thankful for this whole piece.
So beautiful written and so relatable. I’m sending lots of good vibes for a peaceful kindergarten transition!! So exciting!
I think if I could snap my fingers and have one obsessive thought loop disappear - it would be this one. I have a conversation with myself about this daily. This is the second year all 3 of mine are in school all day and I feel a pressure to “figure out what I’m doing” or a pressure to make money (not from my spouse, just because “that’s what people do”), or that I should be building my resume (I’m a teacher by trade so I feel like I should get on a sub list)… but at the end of the day, I don’t want to. I have two special needs kids and that is my full time gig right now. But I still pendulum swing daily between work and home. Listing the ways women in your family have negotiated their roles was so interesting and makes me think I should do the same.
Sophia, this was incredible. 🔥
Kindergarten is a big deal! Let it be and trust you'll find your way just as you did before, although your brain never be the same again. 🤪
I can’t believe I’m just now catching up on your write life balance!
I have little words honestly. I can feel your heart as if it were my own swell with both pride of your daughter and anguish of letting her skip into this next stage in life. (Sounds like she had a fantastic time!)
Life is chaotic and messy and beautiful. When we’re in the thick of it we can’t see in front of us but looking back - I just think wow.
Your questions have me pondering in big ways. Inner child work has been my focus lately..
I love this, Sophia!
I was lucky to be in Austria where maternity leave lasts a year and after that childcare is free/cheap. However it was also the pandemic a few months after I went back to work and I found the whole thing quite isolating. I should have made more effort to see my mom group. We were all overwhelmed. Lovely women. Most of us away from family and close friends (or old friends with kids). I guess no matter the work/financial situation, having those networks are so worth it. And maybe this is also a space for it! 💙💙💙