Clearly I’ve failed on the whole “not passing judgment” thing, so I might as well just add a bit more.
It’s things like this that gives working moms a bad rap. I mean, I’m (obviously) all for involving professional caregivers in the upbringing of my children. I think they’re better for it, in fact.
But, there are those who argue that I’m letting someone else raise my children while I work (or blog, as the case may be this morning). When you work, you have to be willing to FULLY devote yourself once you get home. Hobbies fly out the window. “Me” time is the occasional shower you have to yourself.
If work makes you (or your partner) too tired to get up with your INFANT at night, then really, you need to reevaluate your priorities. If you don’t, I think–in all honesty–you deserve the wrath coming from the other side in the “Mommy Wars.”
Some moms work outside of the home, some don’t. I don’t really care–do what suits you and your family. But please be a responsible, loving parent and devote some time your kids when you are at home.
Whew. Passing judgment is so cathartic. Why did I decide to cut back?
Smith Family Weblog 
Posted by Doug Smith on August 7, 2008 at 10:30 am
Speaking for those who love you, those showers may have become a bit too occasional.
Posted by smithfamilyweblog on August 7, 2008 at 10:49 am
I figured I was leaving myself open for that.
And, I do have hobbies. I blog, I cook. I even have something like three friends. I try to involve my kids in what I do at home, but it’s not always possible. I’m not perfect. I work from home regularly in the evenings (usually after bedtime). But I will say that when I’m prioritizing my life, sleep is at the bottom of the list, and if not, it’s certainly never above my kids.
Unless we’re at grandma’s house, then all bets are off.
Posted by karyl on August 7, 2008 at 4:58 pm
It is a balancing act one way or another whether you work or not. My advice to those who work and those who don’t is to give up the guilt – it is a waste of energy fretting about what you are/are not doing.