Group Discussions

The Beach and My Boy

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  I just returned from a week at the beach with my son. I made the decision to take him on vacation rather than head to the Democratic and Republican conventions like most of my colleagues and despite the historical implications. I know it made it appear that I was not as interested in my job, but I only get two weeks in the summer to hang out with him after camp ends, and before school begins. So I thought my being a mom was more important than being a journalist.
  
  We rode bikes in the morning, as the sun came up....and hiked and ate great food, together. By the time we reached our hotel at the end of the day, we were both happy but exhausted. And he would always snuggle in my arms - a place he calls "the cozy spot" - and fall asleep with a slight grin on his face.
  
  I could not imagine being anywhere else. Conventions happen every four years...but my son, at age six, is something that will never happen again.
  
  Has anyone else had to make such a choice? HIstory v. motherhood?

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by on 29th August 2008
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  I haven't ever had to choose between the two, but wanted to write because this is such a powerful example of what it means to be a mother. Like I said I haven't needed to make such an obvious choice, but I do think that every day I make much smaller ones. For example, during the Olympics I only saw Michael Phelps race one time because it was the same time as my daughter's bedtime. I chose to snuggle with her rather than see his history making swims. I'm no sports writer or photographer, but I would have liked to see that on TV. I made the choice that keeping up with our routine and having that before bed time together was more important to me. Thanks for sharing your experience!

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by mamajama on 29th August 2008
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  That's where I love our DVR (the recording device in our TV, like Tivo). I'm able to scream through unnecessary parts/commercials, watch the day after or the week after, it doesn't matter b/c it just sits there waiting for me. I did this with the Olympics and the Dem convention. This really helped introduce the Olympics to our son and was a teaching tool in many ways about topics as mature as international relations, which was awesome. (He also developed a really funny impersonation of Michael Phelp's mother when she thought he came in second but eked out the win...but I digress.) Same thing with the convention. Got to show him some highlights and at least introduce him to politics and explain why people were so enthusiastic, the historical significance of it, etc. He has lots of time in his life to develop the cynical streak that we all have. He's 8...why not indulge in a little idealism, right?
  I love what you did with your son, and I think it's even more admirable b/c it sounds like you had pressure to attend to your career but you decided this time that the Balancing Act had to tip in favor of your son. Bravo! - Paula.

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by tkd_mama on 29th August 2008
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  I think you are very wise to spend the time with your son, even though it created some anxiety for you in the professional arena. As women, these are the choices we always have to make. We choose one thing at the expense of another. It sounds like you had a wonderful time with your son, something he will always remember

  Flag as inappropriate Posted by Leslie Miller, LICSW on 1st September 2008