And we spent most of our time looking at pictures of each other’s kids, swooning over how cute they were and laughing at the absurdity of each other’s mornings. I had dashed out of the house at 7 a.m, the moment the babysitter arrived to mind Talia and get her to school, because John was away on a band tour with Nick. Sonya had dropped her three kids off at her Mum’s house, who was tasked with taking the boys to school and handing her preschool-aged daughter over to a friend for the next leg of child minding for the day. And Claire had left her baby, along with a list of instructions and a big tub of sunscreen, with her Mum who had just flown in from Ireland.
All in all, a typical day in the life of most busy women!
They say the only thing constant in life is change. I compiled these stories and anecdotes over the past few years and as I progressively read and updated them, it struck me how true this saying is. My lovely little people, Nick and Talia, have changed so much in the time it took me to write this book (too long I know—sorry Allen & Unwin!). But it’s fun for me to reminisce and to share my family experiences with you. Hopefully my stories will highlight that we’re all the same really. Each family has its own quirks and ways, but we all muddle through and find some way to make sense of it all.
I think I’m a typical Aussie working mum. Wanting a career, loving my work, but equally wanting to make sure that I care for my kids, not just financially, but emotionally with my attention. Some days it works and some it all goes to hell in a handbasket.
Nick is twelve now and will be thirteen by the time this book hits the shelves. As I look at him I can see what a sweet, kind boy he is. He’d want me to say he’s ‘tough’ and ‘strong’ too, and you know what, he is. As he starts on the journey through high school I can see that he hasn’t suffered from me working. School captain. Drummer. Dancer. Avid sportsman. I couldn’t be prouder of the young man he’s becoming.
Talia turns ten next week. She’s an independent, confident and capable girl. She has a cracker of a wit, loves all the girly things in life and is equally sweet, mild mannered and good.
It’s for them that we do it all. At least that’s what I’ve always told myself. It’s only recently as I pondered this book that I realised I was right all along. You work hard to get ahead, to provide for your family and to gain some personal and professional satisfaction from your chosen career. You carry the guilt whenever work means you miss some family commitment and you hope and pray it doesn’t have a lingering effect on the kids. And you make up for it when you can by spending time with them and taking an interest.
It can be done. It’s not easy and you need drive and determination . . . and a helping hand regularly. John and I have always got each other’s back. If his work takes him away, I focus on the family and pick up the slack at home. Likewise, when I am away he takes over and we both make sure there’s always someone there for them. It may take a village to raise a child, but it certainly takes a team in my house.
Thank you for reading my book. Hopefully sharing my experiences helps you—even if only by reassuring you that you’re not the only one with a crazy household!
Alphabet Soup Page 21