Oh, Grace, Jonathan is having a tough time at school. I went to his parent-teacher conference and his teacher told me he is really distracted. He cried for the first six weeks of school and as a result, Jonathan missed the foundation of reading and math. Adam and I have had to deal with a young boy bullying him and the overall transition to first grade from another private school he attended.
Today I wish I could stay home and be present to Jonathan and David, helping them both on homework, taking them to extracurricular activities, and spending time together without having to rush through an evening routine.
With Adam and I getting a divorce, I’m having to make really difficult decisions about reducing the number of hours I work to try to spend one-on-one time with Jonathan. He needs me now and I need to get him on track. Adam and I know the benefit of one parent spending the time to work with Jonathan on his school work. I think getting a reduction in pay for reduced number of hours is worth the investment of helping Jonathan achieve academic successes, boost his self-esteem and restore confidence at school.
Grace, say a little prayer for us.
Guiding Lesson: Eve, I can hear in your voice how concerned you are about Jonathan. As a parent, your work and worries are never ending. And as a working mom, I can see how you are divided, you need to work to provide for them, but your heart wants to help them develop to be the best they can be. So what do you do?
You mentioned that you are deciding to reduce the number of hours at work to spend more time with Jonathan. If you can do it financially, I say you will not regret the time you spend with your children. This time with them will soon be a distant memory. You have the power to impact them and the only way to do it is by being there. This won’t be without sacrifice, but it also won’t be without great rewards and great joy.
Eve, this is a great teaching lesson for your children. Your decision will help them learn and see your values in action:
- Family first, over money and career.
- They are not alone in their struggles and you want to be part of shaping their future.
- Sometimes you need to sacrifice things today for a better tomorrow.
- It is important to reprioritize when needed to live according to your values and live a life of integrity.
A new day has begun. Your world is changing and you will be singing a new song.
Grace
MissGuidedMom 