It's working for Celia K
Baltimore , Maryland
5 children
"Now as a business owner, I have had employees become pregnant and we set a plan in place for when they want to stop working and if and when they want to return, so everyone is on the same page and our clients do not feel any disruption."
What is one piece of advice you wish you could offer your former expectant self?
Time… it’s what is lost the most, that is time with your kids. So when you work, try to find a job that is close to home, so as not to waste time driving. Be entirely with your kids when you get home from work (phones/electronics off). Give them your undivided attention for at least an hour. Eat dinner together if you are able. Other things can wait until they are in bed.
Guilt… Don’t dwell on feeling guilty. When you work, you teach your kids about responsibility and you instill their work ethic. It’s all good. Just be there for them when they need you, so that they always feel safe, trusted and secure.
FOR MOMS: If you breastfed, was there a place for you to pump that met your needs and was conducive to your success? If you breastfed, how did you decide to continue? FOR DADS: What, if any, adjustments did you (or your workplace) make to your schedule after having a baby? Was it specific to your manager or larger, whole work culture?
I used a pump just for a little while.
How much leave did you take, and how comfortable were you taking it?
I was off for 6 weeks and that is never enough, which is why I decided to start my own business and work from home for a good part of the day.
What was your biggest challenge going back to work?
At the time I was working full time and out of the house and I was unsure who would take care of and love my child, as well as I would take care of and love my child.
Fill in the blanks: As a working parent, I never expected ____ would be so hard and ____ would be so much easier!
As a parent, there are so many unknowns in life. So many times we just don’t know what to do. I wish I had known not to be so anxious with a new born baby. I loved learning about my kids as they grew and instilling greatness in them. I am glad my kids grew up without electronics, as I think too many kids are allowed to absorb themselves in these devices and parents are doing them an injustice by allowing it. I think many will look back on it and regret it. I am glad I knew love, I knew laughter, I am a talker and rhymer and I love being silly. These childlike characteristics made raising my kids, the most fun I’ve ever had.