I'm truly fortunate with my employer. They fully accommodate my needs as a single mom new to the area, without a local support network. The challenge? Daycare closing times mean I often miss after-work drinks. But this week, for a colleague's farewell gathering, I found the ideal solution: bringing my 11-month-old daughter, Emma, along!
I don't drink alcohol anyway, thanks to breastfeeding, which Emma still loves. Here's how it went: I left a bit early to pick her up after her nap, then strolled back to the office with her snug in my plain black baby sling (snot on my chic jacket included). Emma was fascinated! The cheerful crowd playing shuffleboard, the vibrant atmosphere at our small company—she loved it all.
My colleagues are used to seeing Emma, as I occasionally pop in on my days off to handle quick tasks—single mom life means improvisation. We turn these visits into fun outings: a comfy sling walk spotting ducks and playing kids en route, then peeking at office buzz or sharing lunch. She thrives in the group, eating better with more people at the table. Colleagues call her an easy baby and joke they can't imagine me tired, but that's our little running gag 😉.
This time was a bit nerve-wracking with clients present. As I shared in my last post, Emma's in a fussy phase (likely the 11-month sleep regression). Yet she shone: charming everyone with big smiles, babbling “dakadakadaka ieeeeeh,” and dissolving into giggles. Clients loved seeing a family-friendly workplace. Highly recommend—it's repeatable and a huge relief for this single mom!
What about you? Do you ever bring your child(ren) to work, and in what situations?
