Contributors

Quick Change Artist

3/28/2018

Submitted by "Human Rights Mama"

"I put the baby down for a nap, pulled a blazer on over a nursing shirt ..."

Remember the video of the man who was being interviewed by the BBC live when his toddler walked into the room? That is probably every work-from-home parent's nightmare, and I was thinking about it recently when I was asked to create a "welcome video" to introduce myself as a tutor for an online course on refugee protection.

Online learning and virtual workplaces are magical inventions for working parents with small children. No one needs to know that you are in your pajamas, or haven’t showered for a couple of days, as long as your brain is clear and your fingers type swiftly. Unless, of course, you need to be on video.

As the mother of a 10-week-old, I don't currently go into an office during the day, and I don’t have the luxury of time. While my baby isn’t mobile, her little voice travels in my small apartment, so I'm pretty proud of the fact that I was able to create and post a video recently. And it was done on time, and I looked (at least theoretically) polished. The technique? I put on some makeup very early in the morning. Later that day, I put the baby down for a nap, pulled a blazer on over a nursing shirt, clipped my hair back, found a good backdrop (a bookshelf), and filmed the whole thing before she even woke up.

As Leonard Bernstein once said, "To achieve success, two things are needed; a plan and not enough time." I concur.

"Human Rights Mama" is a mother, wife and lawyer specializing in refugee rights policy advocacy. At work she leads a team that leverages volunteer lawyers to help meet the legal needs of Californians.

Because I Work

10/12/2017

4 Comments

Submitted by Jessica Duff

Sometimes it takes an outside perspective to recognize the silver lining.

As a working parent, few things are as discouraging as not being able to leave work to take your sick child to the doctor!

Recently I ran into this situation while trying to schedule a doctor’s appointment for my 8-month-old son for a possible ear infection. As a busy working mom with two kiddos, finding the time to step away to take my son to the doctor seemed impossible. Then a friend helped me realize that I shouldn't complain or feel bad about the situation. She pointed out the silver lining: I am able to provide medical care for my child because I am a working parent. It really doesn't matter who takes him to the doctor.

My husband and I both have busy work schedules, but we make time for our kids whenever possible. Luckily, we have amazing family in town who can help out at a moment's notice. I have a great family, supportive (and insightful) friends, and a baby on the mend.

Who could ask for more?

Jessica Duff is a mother, wife, and senior account executive at Team SI. She earned BS degrees in Sport Management and Communication, Journalism and Related Programs. You can follow her via Twitter @jduff84

Fulfillment and STress

8/4/2017

1 Comment

Submitted by Kathleen Helbling

"I've always wondered what it would have been like growing up if my mother had worked and felt fulfilled and my father had been less stressed."

It's interesting and encouraging to read these stories about working parents. I was a teacher and have been retired for a while now. How far things have come since my own mother and father were making choices about their careers and family.

After World War II, it was no longer socially acceptable for women to have careers of their own. My mom had a degree in nursing and amazing business skills, but did not pursue a career; instead she took care of our home and us children. She did take care of the family finances, but people at church told her that she was reducing her husband (my dad) by doing that. Interestingly, he didn't want to manage the finances, and in fact, didn't do it very well.

1 Comment