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 Popular Articles: |
Ideas For Work At Home Parents |
Michael says . . . mothers who stay home, shouldn't work!
Michael says . . . he's going to tell everyone that I make lousy baby carriers.
Michael says . . . then I won't have to work any-more, and I'll have more time for him!
I started my home business, Cuddle Carriers, in 1978. Michael was then 14 months old. Sewing was done in the living room, in between nursings. Michael was content to play on the floor, by my feet. When I went to pick up supplies, Michael came along, strapped to my back. Sales calls were more successful, with Michael along to demonstrate.
I brought him along to all my trade shows, where he would nap under my display table. When he wasn't helping to model the carrier, he was drawing a crowd by dancing on the table. Or he'd take his little ball, and make friends with the other exhibitors (and great business contacts for me!). The man from Children's Playground came over to thank me for Michael's help in demonstrating his play equipment. Michael was in his element, and having the time of his life!
He became a seasoned traveller, sleeping all night on the train to Ottawa (something he NEVER did at home!), through breakfast, waking up finally in the taxi, on the way to the trade show grounds. He was the most portable, and flexible child I'd ever known. I often said . . . Michael would sleep standing on his head, as long as he was near me. It was easier back then. There was time to go to the local Drop-in, to visit friends, to go to the library. Orders came at a slower rate, and shows were often months apart.
Fisher Price Work-At-Home Office |
Jason, my 8-year-old, loves the fact that I work at home. It means mornings are relaxed, since I'm not rushing off to work. It means not only am I there to walk him to school AND home for lunch, but I'm available after school, to hear the exciting news of the day. He's interested in knowing the number of orders coming in, and wants to know more about the baby who will use each carrier. My example has inspired him, as he's anxious to invent something, and is planning to start his own business - soon!
When we moved into a house, from an apartment, I welcomed the large office space on the third floor. Finally - I thought - I wouldn't need to clear the dining room table to serve dinner. Finally there would be a safe place for my papers and supplies. Finally my living room won't be knee-deep in carriers.
Only I didn't realize how I was pulling away from Michael. He weaned from the breast a few months after the move. I started leaving him more with his grandmother. It was time to grow up! Working on the third floor meant Michael had to climb two flights of stairs to get a kiss, or to tell me he'd bumped his knee. As the business grew, I became more and more distant. When a business deal went sour, my anger and disillusionment made my pre-occupation intense.
I knew something was wrong when Michael started stealing my pins, and tangling the thread. He'd hide my scissors, unplug the sewing machine, use up yards of tape. He took over 50 first class stamps and glued them to the walls. He cried and whined, clinging to me constantly. He threw temper tantrums, and nothing I did seemed good enough.
The Natural Child: Parenting from the Heart |
Michael says . . . I work TOO much!
He wants me to come OUTSIDE to watch him ride his bike. He wants me to stay for tea while he's playing at a friend's house. He often cries on the way to school and begs me to stay in his kindergarden class. Most days, he refuses to walk faster than a snail's pace.
Everyone says I'm babying him. They say I shouldn't give in to him. They say I have to show him who's boss. They say he's old enough to understand I have to work.
But to me it seems . . . Michael is saying . . . slow down, you're going too fast for me. Michael is saying . . . I still need you, even at almost six. Michael is saying . . . I'm not ready to grow up, not just yet.
I've been making a real effort to slow down. I try to accomplish as much as possible, while Michael is in school in the morning. And I've started hiring people to help with the workload. Since Michael likes to help . . . for a while . . . we've made a deal. He helps count out stock, divide up supplies, and package goods for half an hour after lunch. Then we go out for a walk, or visit a friend, till Jason gets home from school.
With Jason to play with, Michael doesn't mind so much if I venture back upstairs - to work for another hour or so. They often must drag me away - to cook them dinner. Evenings, I try to bring work down to the living room, to be with them. I must often stop for a card game, or to help write a letter. Then it's time for bedtime stories and a talk, even though I'm tired.
Working from your home has many advantages going for it. But it doesn't guarantee that you will be there for your children. I feel fortunate that I have Michael reminding me that my priorities are family first
. I just hope my customers will understand!
This article compliments of Born to Love.
Send questions, comments, and suggestions to: catherine@borntolove.com
Born to Love articles are written by Catherine McDiarmid-Watt
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Last updated - April 5, 2024
