Two Working Parents

I find it interesting that The Cosby Show emphasizes that the Huxtables have two working parents…Cliff is a doctor and Claire is an attorney. However, with five children, they never have any outside help…not even a babysitter. In the first few seasons, Claire is often seen going to the office, but Cliff always seems to be home when the kids need someone. In later seasons, Claire seems to go into the office less and less and is always available to the children.

It could just be me, but doesn’t this send a contradictory message? They say it is good for both parents to work, but they are not living it. But let’s be honest…is it possible to manage five children and a career without help?

I have been on maternity leave since the birth of Son #1 in 1997. I am not sure when or if I will ever officially return to the workforce. At first, I stayed home so that I could be with my boys as they developed in the early years. Then, I stayed home when they started school because things got so crazy…juggling homework, therapy, music lessons, field trips, and so on. I wanted to get all of the house stuff done while they were in school so we could enjoy family projects and have fun on the weekends. As Son #1 moves into the teenage years, I am afraid to go back to work now. I want to know what is going on in his life and I need to be available to him…to help with homework, friends, and challenges. I am grateful that I have the option of staying home…I would not miss this season for anything!