Husband breaking open cocoanuts with Oldest Son and Youngest in our "backyard."Husband and I are quite fluid in the way we approach our life roles. We have had every configuration you can imagine since kids born:
- Both working full-time
- One part-time worker and primary kid caretaker and the other working full-time
- One not working outside the home and the other working full-time
- One part-time worker and the other working full-time while having a part-time nanny
This past year I have worked full-time while commuting between USA and Mexico and Husband has been in Mexico full-time taking care of Oldest Son and Youngest Son. Very traditional roles assigned to non-traditional genders. It has had its advantages and challenges.
Husband and our two boys have had the greatest gift. How many little boys get this kind of time with their father? Incredible really. Husband loves Mexico and the lifestyle.
My experience has been mixed. The remote commuting routine has taken a toll on me as a mother and wife. Although, it has been wonderful in my role as provider this year. Totally worth the sacrifices to have our unforgettable adventure in Mexico.
Now what?
Husband is in USA for 3 weeks and I am in Mexico with Nanny (our previous USA part-time Nanny). Husband feels odd not having kids 24/7 and feel odd running a household again (while maintaining work commitments.)
We hope to adopt the “Mommy working part-time, Husband working full-time and having a part-time Spanish speaking nanny” family model when we move back to USA this summer.
However, we have learned to follow life’s path which for our family is clearly a winding river with twists and turns.
8 comments:
I love your outlook on life. With such wonderful and different situations/experiences, your kids are going to become such well-adjusted adults because they had such an awesome childhood!
Stay in touch when you head north. Even if you abandon the blog.
LL - Our approach is not without pitfalls but I have come to accept that the path most taken is not my 1st choice so we follow the ups and downs (mostly ups) of maximizing life. You never know with kids ... I hope your prediction is right on ...
Good to hear your going to try to keep the Spanish going. Knowing multiple languages is such a usefull thing to have.
SC- I will try ... maybe I will do something so interesting NOB that I can keep blogging.
A - We know keeping the Spanish up will be a challenge so trying to proactively stay ahead ...
SC- I will try ... maybe I will do something so interesting NOB that I can keep blogging.
A - We know keeping the Spanish up will be a challenge so trying to proactively stay ahead ...
Ever consider staying in Mexico. We lived in SMA a few years ago with the kids for 6 months...we all miss it to this day and hope to get back at some point, besides just for a brief vacation. It really changes you. My kids are now 10 and 14.
Diane
D - Yes we have sorta. Really this is a decision based on financials - we have to go back to USA to work. We would love to stay another year.
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