Unfortunately, that leaves three weeks with no scheduled activities, camps, or even a big sister to play with while we wait for the public schools to end for the summer vacation. And I still need to find time to work.
When I began my business and my blog, I had one child with me at all times. Even though my kids were both in pre-school, one went Tuesday/Thursday, and the other child went Monday/Wednesday/Friday. I used nap times and evenings to work, but after a year of having twelve work hours a week, my business has expanded and requires more time. This has become clear to my local friends who can see the frazzled look in my eyes, and who also know how reluctant I am to ever accept help.
The panic in my voice must have reached a new level Tuesday morning when a friend called to check in. Suddenly she was offering to take my son along with hers to soccer practice, and then called back to offer to keep him through lunch. Despite my normal response – “No thanks, we’ll be fine, it’s okay” – I jumped on her offer and quickly worked through my inbox and invoices.
The tone of my entire week with my son changed drastically when my close friend offered to help and I chose to accept her help. Rather than begin the week behind the eight ball, all priority items were cleared when my son returned home. We were able to spend a pleasant afternoon together, and although I still needed to work in the evening, I was able to head to be at a somewhat human hour.
It truly does take a village to raise a child, and yet as mothers we often have a hard time allowing others to lend a hand. What is stopping us from giving in and taking a break? And do you have a village to turn to?