Monday, December 22, 2008
A day of self realization
| When I first quitted my job after my son was born, i wasn't quiet ready for it. Though i was willing to give my complete time to my son but somehow i missed my job very much. Every day i sulked, fought with my husband as he turned my punching bag,sometimes shown my anger to my son too which was not fair at all.What made me do this, i guess the thought of just wasting my time sitting at home and not being a contributor to my family finances. As my son turned 1 year old, i started seriously thinking about getting back to work. It took me two months to muster the courage to go ahead.I thought I would just survey the day cares in my neighborhood as no potential domestic help I had at home. Yesterday, I went to a day care near my place. The lady was very nice and the way she was handling things, it was quiet professional. I was very impressed. Suddenly I saw an 8 month old who was crying inconsolably. I enquired and she told me that when ever the main door opens,he starts crying. I just couldn't bear the glare of his waiting eyes. He was looking for his mommy. Everytime the door opened,he thought his mommy had come to pick him and on not seeing her,he started crying. I just couldn't take it. Being a mommy has made me very sentimental, not that i was not a emotional person earlier,but now the tears just trickle and the heart melts down at the slightest provocation and when it comes from a child, you can guess my helplessness. I couldn't stop my self,went ahead and took him in my arms and gave him a reassuring hug. I don't know it touched him or not, but for a while he did stopped crying. I talked to the lady for a while, checked all the toys,cribs and stuff the day care had for my satisfaction and when I was about to leave,the little boy just extended his arms towards me and in his language literally pleaded. If he could speak,he would have said, "Take me to my mommy please". This incident really shook me and I realized, how much may I say I need to get back to work, nothing is compelling enough overcome even the thought of leaving my son behind,let alone actually doing it. This visit to day care actually made me come to terms with what I am doing when I am sitting at home. I am not wasting my time, I am giving my son the nurture,the care he deserves and most importantly which no one else can give. These are his formative years and he needs me by his side. God has his mysterious ways of sending his voice to you, all you need to do is to listen to it. I never thanked God enough for what he has given me, a wonderful, supporting,loving husband, a lovely son, a life anyone would want. I just can't stop counting my blessings, I thank you God for being there always. Labels: coming to terms with staying at home, day care, stay at home mom, working mom |
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Workings Moms get well deserved break
| I read an article in the newspaper today regarding government panel proposing more maternity leave. Conventionally in India,the maternity leave period is three months which I believe is very less time. In three months,neither your baby is big enough to be left with someone else other than the mother nor as a mother you are fully cuperated. It came as a relief when i read this news item because the panel has now propsed a maternity leave upto the period of 6 months and the leave that can be availed in continuation has been raised to two years. The panel has also recommended a flexible child care leave system and a disability allowance which the government has accepted. I must say that the government is now looking forward to a better future and a developed nation. Although I could not take all these benefits for my first child and opted to leave the job, yet it is a very welcome decision for all the mothers who yearn for a career and growing up their kids side by side but have to choose one. For me,it was a consious decision,but had I have the opportunity to extend my leave even further,I would have done that and haven't left the job. I don't know about the laws in other countries but hope that they are mother friendly and allow the children to grow in a healthier,nurtured environment. Labels: maternity leave, pay commission, working mom |