A chara, – Miriam O'Callaghan and Irish Timescolumnist Michelle McDonagh (HEALTHplus, June 15th) both recently discussed the pros and cons of working inside and outside the home. As a parent at home, I believe that while indeed it is very demanding, it can also be just as rewarding.
I enjoy spending plenty of time with my sons and doing things together, reading, playing, drawing as well as finding ways they can learn to help with shopping and cleaning. I enjoy seeing the things they can do and like to do. It is fascinating to get glimpses of their thoughts and imaginations, see how they get on with people, how they grow and change. Their tears and bumps are usually soon comforted or kissed better. At times it is draining and frustrating.
But their laughter is infectious and never far away.
I try to teach my sons how to look after themselves, others and their surroundings, and generally introduce them to their world, their place in it, and the values we as their parents hold. I hope they get the message that they are loved and valued through it all. At the end of most weeks, it seems like not much has changed since the start, but that’s okay. These things will be a work in progress for many more years.
In my days as an almost full-time working parent, I made the most of my time off work for my children too, and enjoyed balancing a rewarding professional job and family time, but being almost full-time at home has undoubtedly been more satisfying from my perspective. Staying home with children is a sacrifice financially, but overall I count it a hugely positive experience. – Is mise,