The first time I had to do this I cried. You want to know the sad thing. I wasn’t handing my child over to a stranger at all!
I handed my child over to my mother.
And I bawled.
The night before I was heading back to work I couldn’t bring myself to putting things together.
But eventually I did.
I packed her bag, organized the bottles to be made in the morning, packed my lunch, ironed my clothes then I went and sat in my daughter’s room and just watched her in the crib.
She was so tiny even at three months.
We’re a little blessed in Trinidad to have three months. Mothers in the US have a mere six weeks if they’re lucky.
But the reality is no one wants to leave their child in the hands of someone else.
Whether it’s granny, aunty, in-laws or a complete stranger.
I know that feeling all too well.
And even as they get older you’re still a little reluctant to do so.
When my mother could no longer handle the growing bundle of joy (also because she had to make a trip which would have lasted three months) we had to make the hard decision of what child care facility we will be putting our daughter.
I was still working then, but rumors of voluntary separation was in the air at the office.
I knew this was my chance.
Even while building my business on the side (mainly three hours at night), managing work duties and new mother duties ….. I knew this was the chance of a lifetime.
And although as the weeks, months and years have passed and you still ask yourself whether you made the right choice.
But when I read articles of mothers having to go off to “work” and leave their 6 week old babies in the care of someone else I know I made the right decision.
Sometimes these choices aren’t easy, but having my own business isn’t for me, it’s for my children and my family.
It’s not so that I can accumulate wealth, fame or any of those boats, cars and other toys that people clammer after.
It’s so that I don’t ever had to hand my children over until it’s actually time for them to do so, either because it’s time for school or they need to start the whole socializing process.
And who knows maybe one day my business will allow to start living the next part of my dream!
HOME SCHOOLING!!!
I’m Hilary De Freitas
The Marketing Mom
My Mission: To Bring as Many Moms Back Home, Earning a Living Online and Living the Freedom Lifestyle!
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6 replies to "Fed up of Handing Your Child over to a Stranger?"
Occasionally I had to travel for couple of days. If it was summer we all went, but unfortunately during school year, Shirley would stay home. She opened a Brick and Mortar many years ago. It opened after kids went to school, and she hired someone to take over so she could be home kids arrived, even though I was usually always there.
Yes I understand. I think you and your wife made a great choice, especially where to hire…. so many people opt to hire for the home and stay in the business. She hired for the business and went home to be with the kids! Awesome!
As a stay-at-home, work-from-home mom, I homeschool the kids too. Thankfully, having a home-based business is such a great option to have – I’ve loved having the time with my kids as they grow. 🙂
Congratulations Ruthanne for making such a wise decision. So many hesitate because of a false fear of not maintaining a socially directed lifestyle.
That is great Ruthane! I’m really considering the homeschooling option. You have more control over what your kids learn. And this type of business allows me to do just that!
Awesome article Hillary. It delivers a real goal for those that need the motivation to keep grinding away each day to realize YOU can do it!