Working Parent
Today’s post features a few highlights from the last week, as I continue to return from maternity leave. It’s been a busy one with lots of variety, and the time has flown past. I’m making the transition from full time parent to working parent.
Saturday found me at a local craft fayre, with a selection of seasonal cards, prints, and photographic gifts for sale. I was rusty, it’s been a while since I had a stall anywhere. I’d much rather be creating than marketing, but selling the product is an essential part of most enterprises. I’m not good at blowing my own trumpet though. My husband is much better at talking to others about what I do. It was lovely having him with me on Saturday; he engages very naturally with people and is easy to talk to.
On Monday I was in the studio on a companion animal shoot. I’ve invested in a highchair to make it easier to have our son with me at work. He seems to enjoy the time watching what’s going on (especially when there are animals present). The clients to date have been happy with this arrangement.
Parenting is wonderful, but not easy (nor had I expected it to be). Tuesday afternoon was the penultimate session with the LIFT Psychology service in Swindon. A chance to explore with others some of the challenges around postnatal feelings and emotions, it’s a valuable support group run by mental health practitioners.
With Christmas order deadlines looming, Wednesday was spent finalising photos from Monday’s shoot. I noticed on Saturday that my business leaflets are a little out of date (learning point), so I also spent time redesigning these.
Thursday was an opportunity to spend extra time with our son, and meet my husband at lunchtime. Although the nature of my work means I have more direct time with our boy, we share as much parenting as we can. With a joint love of books, dungeons and dragons, and the natural world, we hope to pass some of our interests on.
As I publish this post, it’s Friday. A chance to meet colleagues from the other small businesses at BSS House for a Christmas gathering. I’ll also take some time to prepare for the weekend. Family business dominates, including a breakfast with Santa for our son.
I was nervous about the shoot on Monday; it’s been a while since I did this sort of work. Having sent the finished images to the client though, their response was speedy and to the point. The first word was “WOW”, and the rest of the mail was equally positive. I don’t like to blow my own trumpet, but this mail really made my day. So, busy times as a working parent, and I thrive when busy! Onwards through December …
Awww gorgeous photos, I remember my boys that small bow there so heavy lol X #Blogstravaganza
Thank you! He already looks big compared to a few months ago, and I’m trying to record his progress daily so we can look back and watch him grow all over again! #Blogstravaganza
How are you finding adjusting to working? It’s great you can take little man with you and your clients are OK with it. He’s a handsome boy! #Blogstravaganza
Thank you! It’s tiring trying to parent and work, but I’d rather be busy than not. Being able to take our boy to work is great for his social skills, it’s lovely for him to meet new people #Blogstravaganza
This is a lovely post. It’s hard to make adjustments when children come into your life, perhaps even more so when you’re self employed. It sounds as though you’re striking a good balance though. Thank you for linking up with #Blogstravaganza xx
Thank you. I took longer over maternity leave than I’d imagined I would, but it’s worth every minute to have time with our son #Blogstravaganza xx