My husband and I just dropped our baby off at where his nanny share will be going forward.
nn
I have conflicting emotions. On one hand, I feel anxious thinking we are not doing right by Oliver. I grew up in Europe, where staying at home with kids at least until they go to preschool is not just normal, but understood to be important (even essential) for the kids’ wellbeing.
nn
On the other hand, I feel great. And let me tell you all the reasons why:
- n
- Being a multi-dimensional human being has always been important to me. There is no part of me that ever wanted to have children if it meant spending all my waking hours taking care of them.
- Relatedly, there is plenty of research out there that points to the fact that children are happier when their parents are being their best selves. In other words, sacrificing one’s life choices “in service of the child” usually doesn’t pay off.
- And finally, I get to be a part of the change I want to see in the world. Way too often I see parents making a sacrifice for their children to follow a societal norm. But who said norms can’t change?
n
n
n
Overall, today I find myself grateful for the opportunity to make my own choices – to be independent while building our family for the years to come.
nn
I hope I can share some of this spirit with the world. Welcome to my blog!
