Working Mum: The Perfect Compromise….

I stumbled into the house tired, a bit fed up, trying to balance three children and an almost full time job at times can be a little demanding and today I was feeling it.

However, sensing my air of grumpiness he who helped create them came to meet me from the train station to ease my journey home and as I climbed into the car the first thing I saw was elation spread over BB’s face as she realised I was back.  Her little hands waved frantically at me and then she stretched out her palm to grip my fingers in hers.  Nothing says I love you better than a baby who doesn’t need words to say you are the centre of her world.

As my short time with my children got closer to bedtime I settled in for some reading with Twin Boy, at one point as his finger brushed over the new words he was learning to sound he paused for a moment, placed his head in my hand and murmured ‘you’re the best mum’.  At a time when I feel I spend more hours at work than at home those four little words wormed their way into my heart and have warmed me from within.

With BB asleep, Twin Boy cuddled and tucked into bed, I wrapped my arms around twin girl and placed a kiss on her cheek.  ‘I love you mummy’ she said softly in my ear.  I quickly replied as I hugged her closer, ‘I love you more little girl’, as quick as lightning she bounced back ‘no I love you more.’  Maintain my stance in an argument based on affection I confirm I loved her even more, to which she pulled me to her tightly and said ‘shall we love each other the same and make sure it is more than anything.’

I’ll take that as a perfect compromise.

34 thoughts on “Working Mum: The Perfect Compromise….”

  1. Awww. Lovely. I’m having the same dilemma. So don’t enjoy the nursery run before and after. But only be back to work from maternity for 3 weeks. Hopefully it will settle down.

  2. No, I love YOU more! 🙂 Gorgeous post. Having been a full time working single mother, I know all about trying to balance work/homelife and always feeling torn. It’s just ‘urgh’ isn’t it. But it really sounds like you’re doing a fab job – our kids soon tell us if we’re not! 🙂 x

  3. Definitely relate to this post, Jane. I went back to work full time when my first child (now 15) was only a matter of weeks old. I was a single parent in those days and had no choice. Whilst I didn’t think it at the time, after having my boy (now 5), taking a year out, and then only going back to work part time, I often wonder how much relationship building my daughter and I missed out on. I don’t think I need worry though as last night whilst we were at a concert together she turned to me and said “I know we sometimes argue but I do like and respect you, Mum”. From my teenager, that was precious! The boy and I have the “love you”, “love you more” exchanges and those too are heart melting.

    I work for my own sanity and satisfaction….and I know I am a better Mum for it. Staying on top of it all can be tough, and sometimes I fail – like when I missed/forgot my boy’s first parents evening – but I agree, the compromise is definately worth it 🙂

    Keep doing that you’re doing!!

    • Really? A 15 year old? I need to borrow your moisteriser.

      Thanks for comment, I love my job but find myself wishing daily for more time in all areas of my life!

      Sounds like your daughter is a good un!

  4. Lovely post. Fab kids.

    Sometimes I feel guilty for the fact that I am not working and making a financial contribution. Then I read a post like this and remember to just feel lucky that I have a brilliant job AT home and to enjoy it while it lasts.

  5. Treasure it and may they always give you so much love. Occasionally, just occasionally my 19 yr old gives me a spontaneous hug and tells me she loves me, and it means just as much as it did when she was just 19 months xx

  6. love this post. i’ve just taken a few days off work as i hadn’t seen my baby (aged 2yrs10mths) and she hasn’t left my side and is constantly putting her arms round my neck saying I love you. it both breaks my heart and warms my heart. I guess all working mothers have this x

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