Contribution to finances: My parents were not planners and there was never enough money for many of the things I am happy to know my children take for granted today. We had no college fund, they had no real savings, and there was no clear plan for retirement. This is not an unusual story.
For many years, my husband and I have jointly made great efforts to build college saving plans for our children and retirement funds for ourselves. I hope that one day these extra steps will help my children ease into adulthood without any financial burdens. And eventually, when Scott and I retire into our old age, I hope we can do so without putting any financial strain on our children.
Bringing home a paycheck makes me a contributor to my household, and makes me feel like I'm on equal footing. Like it or not, money makes the world go round. By working, I am actively reducing my family's risk of financial instability in the future.
No permission needed: Almost every morning, I stop at Starbucks and get a latte (sometimes a glazed doughnut too). It's a daily splurge, but working every day affords me a little luxury.
Once a year, I take my girls on a weekend somewhere fun--just for us. We stay in a hotel, we go to a few nice restaurants, and we go shopping. The fact that I bring income into our home gives me the freedom to make personal purchases that I might not feel right about if I were not contributing too.
Amazing experiences: Last summer, my girls went to a series of overnight volleyball camps. They played, honed their skills, and made some real memories. And every March, we plan a family vacation and go somewhere really cool.
As I look back at pictures of my children skiing, fishing, or ice skating, I am grateful that working makes me able to give my family some of these experiences and opportunities.
Independent children: As a working mom, there are times when we will be apart from our kids. It's that simple. Sometimes it is just for hours, other times much longer. Either way, my children know that I will always come back.
Since I'm not constantly hovering over them, my children are learning to become independent and confident. And, in turn, this makes me really proud of them--and myself.
Regular adult conversation: One of my favorite conversation topics always has been, and always will be, my children. Megan is a little pre-teen and constantly raises a new set of issues to keep me sharp. Emily loves to be at the center of attention. Parker is adorable and entertaining and completely caught up in a fantasy world of superheroes.
While I love talking with other moms about their children, it is nice to have a built-in break from this chatter. Sometimes I want to talk about customers, reports, current events, and even a nice dose of office gossip. Working keeps me balanced.
Samantha Knowles is the author of Working Mom Reviews. Learn the technique of 'destiny tuning' and get exactly what you want, when you want, Visit Manifestation Miracle Learn tricks which help you find better health, wealth, joy, freedom and great abundance Manifestation Miracle.
