Doing It All - An Inspiring Message to Working Mothers.
When I gave birth on February 15, 2020, to my miracle twins, the sudden shift in identity that came with motherhood was both beautiful and frightening. I loved learning to support my babies and felt so connected to them that I almost couldn’t see them as separate persons. They were part of me: an extra arm, a constant thought. But I was afraid of my babies’ potential to consume me, and I struggled to maintain a separate self. Making a choice between family and career is something that working moms around the world have to face every day. Going back to work, staying at work, or continuing on an upward career trajectory becomes difficult for some mothers who feel the need to balance it all. Access to maternity benefits such as leave, lactation rooms, and flexible work hours, are all helpful in giving working moms the confidence to fulfill their role in the family and continue to become successful in their careers. Working from home during the pandemic has been an exhausting task. My body is sore as though I ran a marathon but I haven’t left the house in weeks. At any moment, I feel as though I am being pulled in multiple directions. If only I could duplicate myself or grow six extra arms. I spend the entire day working at my kitchen table. No time for a nap, to flip the laundry, make something healthy to eat, or exercise. The rest of my energy is spent calming the crying babies, tending to the dogs, welcoming my in-laws, and finding time to communicate and check-in with my family. From the outside looking in, it appears that I “have it all” because I’m “doing it all” but I wonder when I’m going to fall apart because I’m spread so thin. Enter my friends, family members, co-workers, colleagues, BNI members, and any other working mother, and I realize quickly that I am not alone. And neither are you. As you read this article, keep in mind that despite the facade that some may post on social media, if you feel inadequate for any reason, you shouldn’t. We are all doing the best we can with the 300 things on our plate. When I meet with women that are debating getting a divorce, they wonder what their life will look like without a husband. How can they manage everything without the help of a second person in the household? At Yaffa Family Law Group, we understand that for our clients, divorce is more than a legal transaction. We provide emotional support as well. When deciding whether or not to move forward with a divorce, we recommend going through the following thought process:- What do you desire?
- What is the number one fear that will prevent you from taking action?
- Why are you doing this? (Refer to this when mental walls are in front of you.)
- Who else is going through this?
- I will get through this – What are some past experiences that show you have what it takes?
- What is your victory feeling? (Use past tense from when it already happened.)
- Foreshadow your feelings.
- Pretend you’re telling someone your story in the future.
Tamara Grossman is an attorney with eight years of courtroom experience in family law and other legal matters. Ms. Grossman has been a partner in a multistate litigation law firm and, most recently, was an attorney at a Boca Raton family law firm.Frequently Asked Questions
How does Florida determine child custody?
Florida courts determine timesharing based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as each parent's ability to provide stability, the child's relationship with each parent, and each parent's willingness to support the child's relationship with the other parent.
What is the difference between parental responsibility and timesharing in Florida?
Parental responsibility refers to decision-making authority over major life decisions like education and healthcare. Timesharing refers to where the child physically lives. Florida courts generally favor shared parental responsibility and equitable timesharing.
Can a child choose which parent to live with in Florida?
Florida courts may consider a child's preference, particularly if the child is mature enough to make an informed decision. However, the court always prioritizes the child's best interests over preference alone.
What happens if my ex violates our parenting plan?
If your ex violates the court-ordered parenting plan, you can file a motion for enforcement with the court. Consequences can include makeup timesharing, modification of the plan, or even contempt of court charges depending on the severity of the violation.
If you're facing a family law matter in South Florida, the experienced attorneys at Yaffa Family Law Group's Child Custody & Divorce practice are here to help. Our team understands Florida family law and can guide you through every step. View all our practice areas or contact us today for a confidential consultation.
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Doreen Yaffa
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Family law attorneys at Yaffa Family Law Group, specializing in divorce, custody, and complex family matters in South Florida.
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"Doreen and her team guided me through one of the hardest times of my life with compassion and precision."
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