Is Work Damaging Our Children?

Not long ago, I was sitting in a meeting with the CEO of a fortune 500 company. She is by all measure the epitome of a successful business woman whose time is limited and in high demand. Halfway through our conversation, her cell phone rang. Her voice softened as she picked up the call. She then looked at me as a smile wrapped around her otherwise stoic face. “Your soccer cleats are in the downstairs closet” she said to her child, “next to the vacuum cleaner”.  She assured her she would be at the game, and told her she loved her before hanging up the phone.

Work does not ruin our children. What emotionally damages children is abuse, neglect, and unsafe environments–not our careers. Our responsibility as parents is to give our children a home where they can feel secure, seen, and loved. Where their cries are tended to, their talents nurtured, and their value as precious human beings is mirrored.

So for all of you parents out their that pick up the phone, go to the games, and assure your children are in the best possible care, give yourself a pat on the back. Raising kids while working is one of the hardest jobs in the world. And so far the studies are saying, the kids are doing alright.

Enjoy the Mother’s Day Weekend!