One of the things I enjoy and appreciate about being the age that I am is the bigger perspective it affords. It feels like there's just enough years spent on the earth that I can start to see more of the landscape of where I am in it all. They say that developmentally, that's one of the most dramatic things about children -- that from birth onwards, they are learning more and more about the world around them and their place in it. Differentiation. And it IS really cool to observe. They go from not even really being able to distinguish "me" from "milk" (it's just "need" and "now") to all of a sudden being able to put on their shoes and ask to go outside. Though it's not as dramatic later in life, I find the same process continues. My landscape now includes a lot more history and politics than it used to, and this includes the subject of being a working parent.
Now anyone who has been a parent or ever read anything about parenting has some knowledge that ALL parents work simply because parenting is a lot of work all the time. Like any other job, different people throw more or less of themselves into the experience, whether because of choice or circumstance or a combination of the two. But it's work no matter what, no question at all.
What I find very interesting is how parenting fits in right now with work for pay and/or work outside the home. I've read a fair bit about the topic, and certainly talked to a number of people about it, thought about it, and, of course, struggled with it both philosophically and practically. It's really an enormous topic. I'm tired just thinking about it. And not too sure what I want to say.
And actually, I've been writing for nearly 15 minutes, so I think I'll reflect on this until tomorrow and then continue.
In the meantime, I fear to imagine what I would be going through right now if I lived in Japan. What a nightmare. Sending them my thoughts and prayers.
Peace,
Briana
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