Time is flying and I'm taking Monday off from work!
By JenInTN
@JenInTN (27514)
United States
May 14, 2011 7:06am CST
My youngest daughter is 12 and she brought home a little paper from school that she she would be getting a reward on Honor's Day at school. The year is coming to an end and they are recognizing children for things such as attendance and achievements that they have accomplished throughout the year. She handed it to me and said.."I know you can't come, but I'm going to get an award, can I get something new to wear?"
She is old enough to understand that I am working to pay the bills and that there are times when I can't take off...but there have been times when I have too. I looked at her and I said.."yes mam..and we are both going get something nice to wear." Soooo...I am taking Monday off from work. The time is flying and I know I will not have many more, if any, honor days to attend. I think that there needs to be a healthy balence with work and family....all in all...family first...afterall..they are why I work so hard. I think I might even go ahead afterwards, check her out of school, and make a day of it.
Have you realized at some time that time was flying? Did you react? Have you taken off from work because you wanted to so something special for someone in your family? Do you have a healthy balence?
3 people like this
14 responses
@thesids (22180)
• Bhubaneswar, India
14 May 11
Hi JenInTN 
That is a sweet news and I feel really happy to read this discussion. Congratulations to your daughter for the reward.
These rewards - bits of appreciation do really work wonders and with children, they definitely help them to focus more on the right tracks of life.
I am happy to know a mom who is proud of the achievements and I see a mom who loves and cares for her children despite herself being occupied.
For the taking time off from work, yes, I did that quite often when I was working as a Trainer - to not only update myself of the recent developments but also attend some family matters... Being eldest in the family, and that too in India, it comes quite naturally to many.
Today, though not much work, still I am away trying to heal my issues and get things sorted out... Maybe at end they would lead to some work but still, I am offline and not much into work over the last week. I hope this will help me get the balance which would in turn work out healthier for me.
That is a sweet news and I feel really happy to read this discussion. Congratulations to your daughter for the reward. These rewards - bits of appreciation do really work wonders and with children, they definitely help them to focus more on the right tracks of life.
I am happy to know a mom who is proud of the achievements and I see a mom who loves and cares for her children despite herself being occupied.
For the taking time off from work, yes, I did that quite often when I was working as a Trainer - to not only update myself of the recent developments but also attend some family matters... Being eldest in the family, and that too in India, it comes quite naturally to many.
Today, though not much work, still I am away trying to heal my issues and get things sorted out... Maybe at end they would lead to some work but still, I am offline and not much into work over the last week. I hope this will help me get the balance which would in turn work out healthier for me.2 people like this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
14 May 11
I must have started this at just the right time for you to be first.
It is sometimes hard to balance things when we are so covered up. I am afraid that work becomes more and more demanding and it is easy to put things on the backburner sometimes that are really important. I try to maintain as mush as I can a good harmony.
There are a lot of things going on at work Monday with our summer rampdown, but I just can't think of anywhere that I need to be more than with my daughter as she receives her reward.
It is so good to see you and thanks for responding!
@hardworkinggurl (37062)
• United States
14 May 11
Hi Jen
Firstly congrats on your daughters achievement, what a wonderful surprise and so deserving. Gee what a sweetie to understand why you must work and understand the reasoning, says you are doing a great job with raising your children.
Absolutely, I remember the many times I use to at last minute take a day because my thoughts were always that the moments will not come back once gone.
I do believe I do have a good balance and there are many times that no matter what I get up and get out there and do all the fun and maybe silly things simply to enjoy the kids and happenings in life.
It is important for me to do so because I know someday I will be old and cannot have look back with any regrets.
Firstly congrats on your daughters achievement, what a wonderful surprise and so deserving. Gee what a sweetie to understand why you must work and understand the reasoning, says you are doing a great job with raising your children.
Absolutely, I remember the many times I use to at last minute take a day because my thoughts were always that the moments will not come back once gone.
I do believe I do have a good balance and there are many times that no matter what I get up and get out there and do all the fun and maybe silly things simply to enjoy the kids and happenings in life.
It is important for me to do so because I know someday I will be old and cannot have look back with any regrets.
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
14 May 11
That is very cool for her and now for you too.
My grandson gets on the A list every term has every year and term since he has been going to school he is now in the 3rd grade. My Grand daughter got and acheivement award last month yup School coming to end for the year its out here the 9th of June
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
15 May 11
thanks
yeah Tenn always starts in AUg.
cant remeber what montht hey start this year as theywent to a 9month school sysem where it had been a year round school system
BUt we do think that its longer than it shouldbe we migh have different days off thro the year or something like that.
Think my grandson gets out the same day not sure he goes to a school in the North part of Vegas.
And the next day we head out for Utah to my family reunion.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
14 May 11
Hi Lakota! I am glad to hear that! I love to hear about children making great achievements. There are so many obstacles for them now and when they can rise above it and achieve..it says really good things about what is inside.
Next week is my children's last week for the summer. It's funny how different the time slots are..lol..They start pretty early though.
1 person likes this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
14 May 11
This is why you are the best mom! I know she was soo stoked. You are right, Being on the Honor Roll doesn't happen Every day. I hope , since she is Bat mitzvah age , that she gets to pick a great outfit! You are so right. There are times when work Has to wait. I am lucky, I have no kids and I have the time for my guy. My luck started at birth. My mom Got to be a stay home mom for my first 12 years . She Didn't miss a concert. back then I was in both the Chorus and the Orchestra. And even when she did work , she never missed a concert. have fun Monday. Tell Your Honor Student , her aunt Sarah is so very proud of her.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
14 May 11
Hi sarah! Thank you! She was stoked. She understands the implications of mom not making it to work. I have tried to instill a good work ethic. I also want her to know how much I love her. I have always tried to make it to their events...they are mostly not during the time I am working...I guess she just assumed that since this one was, I wouldn't be able to come.
I remember how important to me when my grandparents came to see me. It's great to know there is someone on your side.
I hope we find her a great outfit too..I want it to be her special day.
Thanks for the response.
1 person likes this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
15 May 11
You are so welcome. Enjoy your day.
1 person likes this
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
20 May 11
Well? How did it go? Did she find a cool outfit?
1 person likes this
@carolscash (9491)
• United States
14 May 11
Jen, tell your daughter that I said Congratulations on the award. also, may I say that I am proud of you for realizing that there are times that you should take a day off and do something like this. It is sad to hear our kids say things like she did ("I know you can't come" and I am glad that you recognize that this is important to her. Many employers do not think that things like this are important, but to the kids they are everything. I missed a lot of things with my kids when I worked and now I regret that.
@GardenGerty (169447)
• United States
15 May 11
She sounds like a very bright and responsible child. Also a real girl wanting a nice new outfit. It does make you feel good to dress up. She sounds delightful and smart both. You are doing a good job.
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
14 May 11
I will tell her...thank you. There are a lot of companies that don't think that family should be a consideration, but when I work with my team, that is always something I try to take into account. Family is part of an all around well being and can be a huge part of moral.
She is at the age where she realizes the importance of work. I am glad that she realizes it, but like you, I want her to know that she is more important.
Thanks for the response.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (189820)
• Boise, Idaho
16 May 11
Well, mom, I think you made a great decision. I remember once when my daughter was seven or eight I went to JCP and bought my daughter a brand new outfit for no reason and then took the day off and she and I went to the park and played all day. I also recall telling her teacher I was taking and pleasant the teacher was about it. She really made me feel good about it. My grandson got some awards mid year. I was alittle surprised actually because he hadn't been doing very well and he had really improved. I am glad you are able to balance. Its not always easy.
@celticeagle (189820)
• Boise, Idaho
17 May 11
They sure are. Yes, my kids are all very special to me as I am sure youre are too. I feel about the same about my grandkids as I do my daughter. 
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
16 May 11
Those special days can mean so much...for the child and mom. It is hard to balance it all sometimes. I am giving it one heck of a shot though.
I think it's great you did special days with your daughter. These things can really strengthen a relationship. Sometimes parents and kids tend to grow apart and every little thing that we can do to strengthen our bonds will only keep the family together in the future.
Congrats on your grandson's achievments! I know you are very proud of him.
1 person likes this
@SViswan (12051)
• India
15 May 11
Congratulations....it definitely is good news that your daughter is being awarded for an achievement/accomplishment.
As far as your question goes, yes, I would take time off work to do something special for my family. But having said that,when my now 10 year old son got the 'all-rounder' award for the primary school, I was working. The award was announced on stage and though I knew that he was nominated, I didn't know he would be winning (though the school Principal gave me hints to that effect). I was working in a different branch of the same school and was on duty for the function. I was at the function and witnessed it...but my husband and I were at different places (he was seated among the other parents while I was at the balcony with the group that I was assigned to supervise)....and couldn't share the proud moment together. If I was assigned work elsewhere that day, I would have taken an off for the function.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
15 May 11
Wow..that is quite an achievement. I'm not sure the award mine will recieve yet, but I am excited to see. She has worked very hard this year. She is my youngest and I never have any trouble out of her as far as her school work or responsibilities. Well..maybe her room..but we are working on that.
It works out good that you work in the school system. I would have like to have chosen a related field when I was younger, but life took me on a different path...lol...Thanks for responding!
It works out good that you work in the school system. I would have like to have chosen a related field when I was younger, but life took me on a different path...lol...Thanks for responding! @GardenGerty (169447)
• United States
15 May 11
At this time I am not working, and I do not have kids in school. I do know the lesson you are learning though. It got really hammered home to me when I was a Wal Mart employee, and my daughter injured herself rather seriously at school. I went immediately and picked her up and took her to the ER. She said "Mom, I am not an emergency, I am not bleeding." Well, she was in tons of pain, and it was difficult to even get x rays of her broken arm, as it was right above the elbow. We had to transfer to a large hospital in a major city nearby.Immediate orthopedic surgery. She thought I was just going to check her in and leave, as I was scheduled to work the next day. That made me feel like I had been sending a message that work was more important than they were to my kids. It helped me take the time, when I needed, to be where I needed to be, and that often was with my family. Especially since their dad traveled in his job.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85137)
• Shingle Springs, California
16 May 11
I don't have much time off left, but they are flexible here, and I won't need to take any time off to go to the twins' award ceremony. Just work thru lunch probably...
And yeah, time sure is flying. They refuse to stop growing...
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
14 May 11
GOOD FOR U, JEN. I know it means alot to her that u are going to get to go. I never took off from work much either but i tried to always be there for my boys when they needed me. I still do for that matter not that i'm needed much anymore.Your daughter will never forget u doing this. They grow up way too quick & i'm very glad u made this dicision.
1 person likes this
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
14 May 11
Well...the truth is that we have to work and she is at the age where she realizes that. She didn't expect me to go. I am really going to make a big deal about this honor thing. She is such an all around good kid and I think that we take the really good kids for granted sometimes. They are thought of as "supposed to be like that" I can look around and count my blessings where that is concerned. Now my older one...we will talk about that later
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
14 May 11
It is tough savypat. I am the same way. The shame is that I felt guilty for considering my responsibilities at work! Oh..she is growing up sooo fast and I know that there will come a time when these are not considerations that I have to think about. I have been very busy and I want to make sure she still knows how important she is. Thanks for responding.
@missybear (11391)
• United States
14 May 11
Congratulations to your daughter and I'm glad you're taking the day off to be with her.
Live is not all about work and no play.
Why work all the time and never be able to have a day to go and enjoy life.
I hope you and your daughter have a great day.
.
I hope you and your daughter have a great day.1 person likes this
@Hvaniday1 (550)
• Malaysia
15 May 11
What a wonderful day? I think most of us did something for our family especially our kids. You are a great mom that will consider your daughter's need. Ya! Normally, we will take a day off to school if there is necessary and try to keep it balance most of the time. Oh...by the way, congrats! Have a 
Monday.
I think most of us did something for our family especially our kids. You are a great mom that will consider your daughter's need. Ya! Normally, we will take a day off to school if there is necessary and try to keep it balance most of the time. Oh...by the way, congrats! Have a Monday.1 person likes this
@bounce58 (17380)
• Canada
16 May 11
I think you are so right in having a balance of work and family.
And things like these are the ones worth skipping work, and attending to. They don't come often, and it surely would be made special if family was there to get that award.
Plus, it's a good excuse to get something nice to wear too!
@JenInTN (27514)
• United States
16 May 11
Yes..it is a good excuse.
It's tough sometimes to juggle everything, but I try very hard to have a good balance. If I had the choice, I would be at the school everytime they turned around, but I have to work. I am glad I am getting to attend her award ceremony.