I am the youngest of 4 kids and remember quite clearly the day my mom went to work.  I was 8 years old, and my dad put the backdoor key on a string and I kept it around my neck.  My siblings made sure I walked to school safely (and of course a solid distance away from them so I wouldn't embarrass them) and got home as well.  My mom checked in everyday at 4:00 and she and my dad were home by 6:30.  I remember feeling a bit sad in the beginning as many of my friends still had their moms– but this quickly became familiar and happy family routine – and we were always together for dinner.

My kids have only known me as a working mom. And recently I've noticed how my children have become flexers in training!  Below are a few examples from this week:

1. I am asked what country my co-workers are in – and did my calendar show my timezone or theirs
2. My two year old would rather have my Blackberry than chocolate
3. My daughter asks where I am working, and reminds me not to forget my USB keys.
4. My son is fascinated to watch when my screen is being controlled during an online collaboration meeting and he loves to say Dim Dim.

We all know that being a working parent has its challenges. And when I was a kid, I had to get used to the idea that my mom wasn't just my mom anymore.  What is amazing to me is that my kids don't mind that I'm working….it's where that matters. And they appreciate the impact of how and where I work on our family life.  And they know that on mommy’s "home days" or "local mtg days" – we will have dinner together.