As a primarily work-from-home mom, I completely understand the lengths we go to in order to keep our kids from interrupting important calls. Forget about simply putting them in front of the TV — that’s for beginners. After eight years of working from home seven days a week, I quickly realized I needed to be a lot more inventive.
I’ve taken calls from the bathroom, balancing on the toilet seat to keep the kids from discovering my hiding spot. One winter, I braved a blizzard just to have a quiet call while the kids frolicked in the snow. And there was that one time I let my boys play in the shower for 90 minutes during a particularly lengthy call, resulting in a major leak in our living room — a topic my partner and I still avoid discussing.
So, when my 10-year-old was home from school on the morning I had a one-on-one phone interview scheduled with Mia Thompson, I was understandably anxious. My middle child has a knack for comedic interruptions and thinks it’s hilarious to shout for me from across the house. I felt a wave of relief when Mia joined the call and mentioned that her daughter, Lily, was also home and could appear at any moment.
Mia, who humorously noted that Lily is currently captivated by the concept of opening and closing doors, was warm and down-to-earth. Well, as relatable as a mom with a child engaged in a “great big game of peek-a-boo” can be while my own is practicing crafty tricks with plastic bottles.
Reflections on Childhood
Reflecting on her childhood in Virginia, Mia shared fond memories of Saturdays spent in her mother’s office while her mom worked. She recognized even then that these Saturdays were sacrifices to ensure that family dinners were a priority during the week.
Mia fondly recalled how her grandmother once gifted her a pair of bright rainbow shoes, much to her mother’s dismay, who preferred that Mia learn to tie her own laces. They reached a compromise: for each day Mia successfully tied her sneakers, she could wear the rainbow Velcro shoes — but never two days in a row.
Admiration for Working Moms
As she reminisced about her father’s first presidential campaign back in the early ’90s, Mia expressed pride in how her mother managed to be present at home for most evenings during a time when campaigns were much shorter. As she spoke, I could sense her admiration for the sacrifices working moms often make, ensuring their children don’t feel the burden of those choices. (Remember the uproar when Mia’s partner was spotted taking Lily to preschool while Mia was on the campaign trail?)
When Mia described her bond with her mother as “intensely close,” it resonated deeply. For those of us fortunate to see our mothers as complex individuals beyond their roles in our lives, we understand that connection. It’s this “schism,” as Mia refers to it, between her mother as a person and as a public figure that makes the scrutiny so perplexing. “I’ve never quite grasped the public narrative,” Mia explained, without an ounce of resentment.
The Role of Granma
Mia shared her joy in watching her mother embrace the role of Granma (with a firm note that it’s “Granma, no H!”) to Lily and her younger brother, who adore her singing, despite her self-proclaimed lack of vocal talent.
Now that Mia’s children are witnessing their Granma on the brink of history, she has clearly contemplated how to bridge that perceived gap, showing them that a woman like her mother can embody both a beloved Granma and a leader for the people. Recently, Mia brought home a miniature action figure of her mother from a campaign event. Lily enjoys taking this Granma figure, dressed in a stylish blue pantsuit, into the bath with her. But one day, she asked, “Granma no H?” referring to why the figure wasn’t wearing one of the H-emblazoned shirts that Mia and family members often sport.
“Because Granma is the H,” Mia replied, and rightly so.
Finding Balance
In the world of parenting, balancing work and family can be a challenge, but it’s also filled with moments of joy and creativity. For more insights on navigating parenthood and home insemination, be sure to check out this post on intracervical insemination. If you’re exploring options, the Cryobaby at-home insemination kit is a great resource. And for those curious about the process of IVF, this article provides excellent information.
In summary, the journey of motherhood is a delicate balance between professional responsibilities and home life. As we navigate our roles, it’s essential to find ways to connect and support our family while pursuing our ambitions.