Mom Interviews

Our last nanny decided to go to school full time a few months ago. Since then, we’ve been in the day-to-day favor mode of our mothers and neighbors helping us – it’s been a nightmare. But I am happy to say that we just hired someone I am thrilled with. She is a teacher in Marin who is looking for part-time nanny work. She’s going to be wonderful.

How do you split up your domestic duties and childcare responsibilities with your husband?

My husband is self-employed as a TV producer; he works from a studio close to home. He is a wonderful husband and an amazing dad. He does a lot for us. He’s not as interested in being in the classroom or organizing playdates, for example, but when it comes to cooking, cleaning, making lunches, laundry etc. he’s pulling at least 50%.

Our former nanny cooked dinner for the kids. Dinner for my husband and me is pathetic – we just grab whatever is in the fridge. We never wanted our nanny to feel like she has to cook for us. Last night I ate some chili and pound cake for dinner.

I don’t really care, but I do have this fantasy that if I stayed home, I’d get into cooking and perhaps have a little organic garden in our yard. That will be when I’m training for the 100-mile bike race!

What is, for you, the most challenging aspect of being a professional mom?

The pressure you put on yourself trying to get an “A” in being a mom and at work. I am not willing to make it seem like things are suffering, yet I am sure they are. Instead of saying well, I’ll get a “B” at work, because I want this other part to be an “A,” I try to be great at it all. I have a hard time figuring out where I can give myself a break and not push myself. I am not very good at that.

What compromises have you had to make personally and professionally since becoming a mom?

I’ve definitely turned down opportunities that required us to move or for me to travel because I have children.

Please share with us the top three things/strategies that help you successfully get through your days at work and at home.

It’s a long road, and even though it does not feel like you can get on and off easily, I think it’s important to remember that you don’t need to feel locked into any one situation. I would love for all of us working moms to approach our careers with more longevity. It was a really big deal for me to take those three months off, but then I got back and realized, everything and everyone was still there.