One Secret to Success for a Working Mom, Expand Your Village (Jack and Jill of America)

Jack and Jill of America member and her daughter Recently, I have become keenly aware that good kids are created by accident. They become good because someone made a concerted effort to pour positive things into them--things like, honor, discipline and respect for others. These qualities are taught through lessons and by observation. For that reason, I have been actively considering how to give my children more examples of people who embody those qualities.  Indeed, raising my children to become good people is my most important job.

The Kindness of Strangers, a Working Mom's Key to Survival

Dinner at the Germantown Commissary


I am on a work trip. Yesterday, I traveled to Memphis, Tennessee to participate in a training about "Conflict Resolution". The irony is, this trip has created conflict in my home...


One of the things I love about being a mom is that my life is interconnected with my children. They are both under seven and need help to navigate the day. Generally, I serve as that help. I am their primary care giver. And although it is exhausting, I enjoy it.

Subtracting me from their daily routine is disruptive to everyone. It means that my husband is responsible for everything. Instead of helping me, he becomes the primary caregiver. While he is highly capable, he is not me.

Last night, while I was having BBQ at an iconic Memphis restaurant called, "Germantown Commissary", I tried to Face Time with my family. I thought that would be a way for us to stay connected. It worked well until my daughter said, "Come home now!" That phrase incited the baby who began crying. Then, the Facetime session devolved into a crying session for like five good minutes. I didn't cry because I didn't want to cause a scene, but I wanted to. 

Despite my efforts, I must have become visibly sad because a stranger bought my dinner. While this gesture didn't erase my heartache, it did make me smile. In a small way it made be believe that everything would be alright. So, I will be eternally grateful.

NOTE TO ALL: Memphis is not where you go if you're on a diet...

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