Bring Your Baby to Work (every)Day

I have had this post on my mind for several days and it looks like the timing could not have been better. If you have been keeping up with the news then you have probably heard about the conflict involving a recent policy change implemented by Marissa Mayer, CEO of Yahoo. Yahoo will no longer allow their employees to telecommute. The change has come as a shock to many and has caused an uproar among working parents.

I thoroughly enjoy the option of telecommuting that my husband has through his company. We can spend more time together as a family several days a week when my husband cuts out his 2 hour commute. Anyway, off topic...

I feel that all mothers should have the opportunity to be available to their children regardless of work schedules and financial needs. I am fortunate enough that my husband is able to provide our family with a comfortable life thereby affording me the privilege of staying home to raise our daughter.

While I do not have to work, I choose to. I am a freelance writer, author, blogger, public speaker, and occasional daycare provider. While the money I make from these endeavors is pennies compared to the salary I was making at my office job, I would not change it for the world! I work as much or as little as I want to and am able to satisfy my need for personal fulfillment and contribute (however slightly) to family expenses. Most importantly however, I am able to be here for my daughter every second of the day.

I chose to pursue a line of work that not only was in line with my interests, but that also allowed me the opportunity to put my family first. I make no excuses for my very "attached" parenting style. My daughter comes with me everywhere. If I have a meeting my daughter comes with me. If I have an interview, it is conducted with my daughter. I encourage all women to blow the doors of conventionality wide open! We don't have to be just a working mom, or just a stay at home mom, we can do AND excel at both.

Mother's should be encouraged to be available for their children and not condemned for doing so. They should not feel pressured by their place of employment to put their job before their families.

Every day is bring your baby to work day with me! There are countless ways that we as mother's can provide for our families monetarily while also being available to them emotionally and physically.

There is nothing wrong with mother's working outside of the home  but unfortunately some women fail to realize that there are other options if they would rather be home with their children and families.

Want to hear more on this topic? Come visit me at this year's 12th annual CCBC Women's Expo on March 16th.

Have a great day!