Never stop dating: It was 7:30 a.m. on March 19. Like every morning, my focus was 100% on getting the kids out the door and myself ready for work: suit, shoes, coffee, cereal, backpacks and the usual child negotiations, "No, Parker, please don't bring my toothbrush to show-and-tell today."
Scott was looking at me funny that morning. He finally gave me that expectant and irritated look, like I had missed something incredibly obvious, and demanded, "Well?"
I racked my brain. What was it? Was my skirt on backwards? Did I have doggy poop on my heel? Was I running late? I had no idea what was on his mind.
"Do you know what today is?" he asked with a frustrated tone. "Valentine's Day?" I said hopefully.
No, it is March, Jennifer, keep thinking! "Is it parent teacher conferences?" I tried again. They do happen like every month, it seems. I know this isn't right, but I'm getting desperate. Try as I might, I can't come up with anything. Scott rolled his eyes, and said, "No, Jen, it's our anniversary." Then he pulled out a pretty little package from behind his back.
I felt terrible. How could I have forgotten? We have been married for 19 years! Actually, it was easy. I have three kids, a full-time job, and lots of other "activities" taking over my brain: cheerleading, client presentations, t-ball practice, diverting embarrassing show-and-tell moments, and planning preteen birthday parties. Like so many other working moms, I had let kids and work become our life. When Scott and I went out to dinner, we discussed the kids. When we were together on weekends, we were doing kid things. I'll even admit that there have been more than a few nights that one of the kids ends up in bed with us. It goes without saying that this does not inspire romance. Scott is the greatest guy I know. Yet in spite of all of our together time, I realized that we hadn't really been spending much time together at all. I needed to make him a priority again. As mothers, we often feel that our children need us more than our spouses do.
As working mothers, we also sometimes put our jobs in front of our partners. It's true that kids need to be fed, clothed, and cared for, but they do not need more of you than your spouse. Your job also needs your full attention, but not more than the most important people in your life. Believe me, I get it.
But I also get how important it is that you make sure your marriage or partnership is not just about chores, calendars, and children, but also about fun. This is one of the very best gifts you could give to your kids. Your children will feel safe and loved, and you will be setting a strong example for their future relationships.
Samantha Knowles is the author of Working Mom Reviews To learn about how to completely eliminate the problems related to hypothyroidism check out Hypothyroidism Revolution Learn about opportunity to work from home with flexible hours, at Legit Online Jobs
