If you haven't taken the time today to look up at the sky, do it now.
Just returned from walking my Springer Spaniel. Iowa has some of the prettiest skies. Today, the clouds are in a turmoil with storms from the southwest. The sun is shining through the anxious scene, low in the sky.
This weekend we change the clocks back making the sun even lower at this time of day. These views remind me of my place in life, take care of my family on the ground, occasionally get to fly in the clouds, do my part to reduce pollution in the air and on the ground, and observe the earth in its many moods. Fabulous sky.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Family & Medical Leave Act not so great for new dads
In 1993, the U.S. Congress passed the Family and Medical Leave Act. It allows workers to take time off work to care for family members or themselves. They get their job back when they return. Sometimes pay is received during the time off, sometimes not. It is wonderful for an adult child who has to tend to an ill elderly parent. Great for a spouse to care for a sick spouse. New baby? Great for mom but not so great for dad.
Sure, the first week is helpful for the new mom and to bond with the baby. After that, it becomes a drain and all the dad can think about is when he can escape to his job. Jobs are mostly reliable as to what is expected of you for the day. You don't have to listen to crying babies all day and all night. Your time is your own, not controlled by a little tiny being that needs to be held, soothed, fed, burped and cleaned up.
With a new baby in the house, you can always recognize the worker who is a new dad or mom by that exhausted look on their faces as they muddle about doing their job. Most employers accept this. After about 3 months the baby should be sleeping through the night and mom and dad will return to their normal selves.
Consider this if you are going to be a new dad: How much time do you really want to take off work? Can you handle chaos from an 8 pound version of you? Will the noise drive you up the wall seeking normalcy? I'm not being chauvinistic when I say moms are more nurturing and can usually handle it better, realizing there is a wonderful rainbow at the end of the first few weeks.
Sure, the first week is helpful for the new mom and to bond with the baby. After that, it becomes a drain and all the dad can think about is when he can escape to his job. Jobs are mostly reliable as to what is expected of you for the day. You don't have to listen to crying babies all day and all night. Your time is your own, not controlled by a little tiny being that needs to be held, soothed, fed, burped and cleaned up.
With a new baby in the house, you can always recognize the worker who is a new dad or mom by that exhausted look on their faces as they muddle about doing their job. Most employers accept this. After about 3 months the baby should be sleeping through the night and mom and dad will return to their normal selves.
Consider this if you are going to be a new dad: How much time do you really want to take off work? Can you handle chaos from an 8 pound version of you? Will the noise drive you up the wall seeking normalcy? I'm not being chauvinistic when I say moms are more nurturing and can usually handle it better, realizing there is a wonderful rainbow at the end of the first few weeks.
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