Mom and the City
by Paula Dumas
Balance has officially gone Hollywood.
Did you catch The Today Show interview with Sarah Jessica Parker a while back? She was asked if she would consider doing a sequel to the Sex and the City film. Her answer:
“You have to ask my son … he has to be willing to be diligent, to let me.”
Hmmm. Meredith probed, and SJP admitted that over the past two years, she had been absent literally or figuratively creating this film, and she didn’t want to do that again—unless her son gave her the okay.
First, she deserves a big “woo hoo” for realizing her absence as a mom while producing this film might have an effect on her son’s development and their relationship. Been there, big time. Like her, I became consumed with my career as a mom with young sons and a global marketing role with a ginormous corporation. It’s the first step in understanding the role God calls us to as mothers, before our outside work.
Now, asking permission? Maybe it was just a slip-up, not realizing that moms are actually in charge here. Or maybe it was intentionally honoring her son, making up for her absence.
What do you think?
although I don't think parents need to ask permission….I do think that it is important when you make life changing decisions to discuss it with your older children so you know what they are thinking and how they will take the news. Then, you can make a more informed choice.
Agreed. But I am willing to bet this is not an "older" child. Is this not more about our willingness to choose "parenting" over the other aspects of our lives? And is this really not the question for both mom's and dad's?
Not only do the parents need to be in charge, but they need to be engaged, not absent, whether physically or mentally.
How sad that she even had to ask. She already admitted that she had been gone for too long. Children can't always tell us what they need, even the older ones…why put them on the spot and say, "this is a great opportunity, but I won't do it unless you say it's okay." We need to show them our love and committment by CHOOSING to be there, CHOOSING tolove them with our presence. They don't always realize that is what they want/need!