Mommy Works to Buy You Toys

I was visiting Lucy again yesterday during my lunch break. I was running a little earlier than usual and caught the children at lunch time. So, I nabbed Lucy, and her bottle, and headed for a rocking chair. While I was walking out of the kitchen, I heard a young boy, perhaps 2 or 3 years old, ask, “Where is she going?” The Daycare provider said, “That’s Lucy’s mommy.” I immediately smiled. I really never get sick of hearing that. It still hasn’t quite sunken in; but, yes, I am Lucy’s mommy. :)

Anyway, being reminded that he too had a mommy, the little boy became upset and started a whining mantra, “Mommy, mommy, mommy…I want my mommy.” The provider said, “Your mommy is at work.” This of course triggered the inevitable question: “Why?”

“Do you like toys?” she asked him.

The boy was probably thrown by this question. It didn’t really make sense when he was just talking about his mom and not toys, but he mumbled out a “yeah.”

“Well, your mommy works, so she can buy you toys.”

Hmmmmm…….I just sat in the rocking chair with Lucy and thought. I’ve often asked myself what I would answer to that very same question, when Lucy asks it. “Why do you have to work? Why can’t you stay with me?” There is no doubt that my heart will break when that day comes. When I tell her my reasons, will they be good enough? Or, will she grow up thinking, ‘my mom chose buying toys over me’? I don’t want her to ever think that money is more important than family.

So, I have started a mission. I am going to find a children’s book that discusses Daycare and what it is like to have parents who work full-time. I want it to help explain to Lucy. Also, the book would be something we could read often; it would help reiterate that although we work, we love her very much.

Anyone know of such a book? If not, I’ll write one myself – haha. I will just use clipart and print some pages to staple together. For longevity though, I need a hardcover. Any help is welcome!

I am not sure how children perceive these types of things or if they even give it much thought at all – besides the 10 minutes after mom drops them off. I grew up spending every day with my mom until I went to school; so, I am at a loss........