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Balancing being an entrepreneur and a single parent means breaking the rules.
Thoughts from the Table: The Kid’s Gotta Eat!
I started jotting down notes for this inaugural column while simultaneously cooking dinner and supervising my 3 year-old on the computer. Perhaps that’s a little much with the multitasking. Yet as a single, working mom, multitasking is my life. The computer play is a compromise; it keeps him occupied while I cook. It’s probably only one step better than watching TV, and certainly not as good as interactive play. But without another body to entertain him, it’s the best I can manage. After all, the kid’s gotta eat.
Once dinner is ready, we sit down together and (I’m cringing as I write this) I turn on the TV. Yes, you read it right. I know it’s against all the good mommy rules, and I’ve spent the past six months feeling downright guilty about it. In fact, recently overcome by the guilt, I turned off the TV for a week. Ever try to converse with someone when you’re tired and he’s banging his utensils and trying to stuff mashed potatoes up his nose? (O.k., you can stop picturing your ex now.) By the end of each meal that week, one of us ended up in tears or banished to our rooms (mommies sometimes need timeouts too), and neither of us ate a bite.
This week the TV’s back on. And you know what? I found we have interactive discussions about quality shows, more food is consumed, and our evenings are much more enjoyable. Sure we might watch TV when we eat, but at least we’re watching it together. And last night, the kid voluntarily ate a Brussel sprout. Sometimes the traditional rules don’t necessarily apply when you’re not a traditional family. So I’ve decided to let go of the guilt and accept that the small screen fits into our bigger picture ... for now. After all, the kid’s gotta eat!
Table Thought for the week: Not every rule works for every situation. Look at the big picture, weigh the consequences, and if the rules don’t fit, it may be time to rewrite the rulebook. (Just remember to toss out the guilt with the old rules!)
About the Author
Diane K. Danielson is a business development consultant and the co-author of Table Talk: The Savvy Girl's Alternative to Networking (1stBooks, April 2003), www.TableTalkBooks.com.
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