Mom Interviews

Typically, I don’t leave my office before 6 or 6:30 pm. Often I’m in the office until 7 pm. My kids come home from school at 3 and 3:30 pm. They go to sleep by 10 pm, so I usually try to see them in the evening, but because I have to entertain clients frequently, I don’t get to see my kids as often as I’d like. One or two nights a week I am out at night with clients and miss seeing my kids. But I work from home on Fridays and I am here when the kids get home from school. Friday night is family night for us and we all spend it together. Weekends are for my family – I never go into the office.

What is your childcare arrangement and how happy are you with it?

Both of my kids go to public school. We have a housekeeper who takes them to school and who is here when they come home. I had the same housekeeper for twelve years and it’s been immensely helpful to have someone I can trust fully with my children. A year ago we hired another housekeeper who is great and I couldn’t do what I do without her help. My life is unbelievably easier because I have this kind of help and I know how fortunate we are.

What does your husband do? How do you split up your responsibilities at home?

My husband is a chiropractor. It’s great because his practice is only ten minutes from our house and his hours are a bit more flexible than mine. He usually keeps morning and afternoon hours and has limited hours on Fridays. He gets home earlier than I do, and on nights when I am out, he is here with the kids. He is a very active dad and very involved, which is wonderful.

What is, for you, the most challenging aspect of being a professional mom?

For me, the most challenging aspect is being there, being where you are, being focused on whatever you are doing at the time. When I’m with my children, I can’t have work thoughts distracting me. This is difficult, but I really try to focus on what I am doing with them. When I’m in the middle of a meeting and my kids are calling me, I almost always pick up the phone. They know to only call my cell phone if it’s necessary, otherwise, they call me at the office and if I am busy, I finish what I am doing and call them back right away.