Activity Anxiety

What is it for you? A music and choir concert? A graduation from preschool to kindergarten? Or maybe just a “woo—summer’s almost here!” extravaganza. The reason doesn’t really matter since you love being there for your kid, but all of these fabulous bonding times are scheduled at an oh-so-convenient time: during work.

Moms across the country and world are dealing with the dilemma of how to fit it all in. Even an Associated Press reporter wrote about her own experiences, attending special events day after day through the month of May and June. But don’t worry too much—Carol Evans, CEO of Working Mother Media Inc., publisher of Working Mother magazine, says that being in this situation today is much better than it was several years ago.

Evans says that companies are realizing that every hour of flexibility is greatly appreciated, and therefore the individuals will invest time back in the company out of thanks. But that doesn’t mean you should go overboard. Pick and choose which events you will attend carefully and don’t take advantage of this well-deserved privilege.

How does your boss feel about taking off for child-related reasons—other than being sick? Do you feel resentment from your boss or your colleagues when you do take this time off? [Associated Press]