I've just stumbled across this amusing term for a full time mum - 'home executive'. Yay, at last recognition for a job, which done well is at least as taxing as any other you can think of (well maybe excluding test pilot or neurosurgeon...)
I do manage to squeeze in several hours of 'real work' in a week, seeing patients or writing, but since having a child I have decided more or less to be a full time mother. I have my off days but I try very hard to be gentle, rational, entertaining, boundaried, encouraging and considerate with my daughter. This requires more patience and stamina than anything I ever experienced in an office!!!
Then of course, there's the dog walking, gardening, hoovering, school runs, play dates, birthday parties (aaagggghhh, yawn), cooking, shopping, cleaning, camping, art and crafts sessions, museum visits, riding lessons, potty training, washing, swimming lessons, ironing.... Yes, home executive suits me fine thank you. It's a great job and I think I made the right decision to take some time out and be a dedicated mother. But ask any full time mum and they will tell you it's not some 'easy option' or luxury decision. To keep a nice balance between nurture and structure is a real emotional challenge. The pay off is not financial or course, but knowing that hopefully your children will grow up with a sense of trust in the world, with good self esteem and with the ability to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy relationships.
In terms of eco-fitness, there are a lot of opportunities to keep fit too as a 'home executive'. Gardening, walking, activities outdoors, child carrying, 'rough and tumble play', ball games, musical statues and soft play are all good ways to incorporate core stability and a little aerobic work into the week.
So thanks to the mother who introduced me to my new job title. It will give me a little spring in my step today, until tomorrow I forget and just go back to being 'mummy'.
