Working from home not so easy
By Staff
Melissa Cason
I had to stay home with my three year-old son, Cameron, for a couple of days last week. He was very congested and was running a fever. I knew that he would have to go see his pediatrician.
Before his appointment I made a few calls in an attempt to do my job from home. Before I came to the paper, I always wanted to work from my house so that I could be on hand if one of my kids got sick. Now, I have a whole new appreciation for moms who man their careers and their children from the comforts of their own homes.
My older son, Jordan, would have done fine. He would have watched TV or played video games even though he did not feel well. But this was Cameron and he needs constant attention regardless if he is well or sick. I hate to say it but he's, well, a little spoiled.
While being a stay at home mom is demanding, it becomes even more challenging when you add career work to the other things that have to be done at home. Then, add a sick child into the mix. I don't know what would happen at your house, but at mine, it was pure chaos.
By the end of the day Monday, I was exhausted so I went to bed early thinking that Cameron would be better on Tuesday. Wrong. While the medicine the doctor prescribed pretty much knocked him out, he still had a fever and was still very congested.
I remember thinking I have too much to do to stay at home but I really didn't have a choice. Cameron is only three and cannot very well stay by himself. So, I bribed him with suckers so that I could get some work done.
The suckers worked, or at least occupied him long enough so that I could conduct a few telephone interviews, but not long enough for me to get all my work done. I found myself bouncing a 40-pound preschooler on my foot while writing my stories. I would not recommend that because my legs are still a little sore.
When my husband came home from work Tuesday, I wasted no time. I rushed to the car and drove to Russellville to help with the paper. I was truly grateful to be escaping my sick child.
So, I tip my hat to all the moms and dads who successfully work from home. I don't see how you do it everyday. After just two days I am thankful to have an office away from home to come to everyday.
