Wow, that's a pretty weird title to start off a blog post about why I am a great mom. But to be really honest, I am writing this blog post sitting in a hotel room. I have been traveling for five days and have another six to go.
Yep, that's right it's an 11 day work trip. (Before we all go crazy, it only happens rarely).
I love my job and in our family, I am the primary income earner so traveling comes with the territory. I get to help kids, teachers and parents understand how technology, creativity and making is an educational advantage.
Before we had our daughter, my husband had a successful career in finance. It provided a great income but it was not something he was passionate about. He started coaching basketball at a local school and loved it.
On the car ride home, we had a conversation about him pursuing his passion.
"Tonight, I saw you glow from working with your team. It was like you are a natural teacher," I said.
"I really feel like myself when I am working with them. What do you think about me going back to school and getting my teaching credential?"
"Well, that's a pretty simple answer...", I said.
Fast forward eight years and that switch has been a blessing for our family.
With many parents working out of the home, it's hard to juggle pick-ups, activities and everything in between. Typically during the week I don't get home until around 7pm. There are moments of guilt but then I take a moment and remember.
My husband is there at pick-up with our girls. He is the one helping coach the softball team and getting dinner on the table. As the world is changing and expectations are constantly mounting up, his support is the reason that I am a great mom.
I don't feel guilty for missing some things Monday to Thursday. I am thankful for being able to have a flexible work schedule that allows me to work from home on Fridays. That support and partnership releases me from feeling bad for succeeding in my career.
Of course there are moments that make me laugh about role reversal. Recently on a Friday afternoon, I was picking up my younger daughter from the pre-school gate.
A mother in her class asked, "Are you Marty's wife?"
I nodded my head.
She said, "He is such a great dad. I love seeing dads so engaged."
As my daughter came out of the gate, I smiled and said good-bye. While we were walking to the car, I felt my heart beam with pride that I am a successful mom because I have a wonderful partner.
And who else would humor me and wear a Chewbacca onesie for our Christmas card!
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