‘I am happy with our non-traditional example’
Image: Nine IJff
Jannine Berkelaar is editor-in-chief of Kek Mama. Together with her husband Erik, she has daughter Elin (10) and son Mats (8).
Erik does not work and I work full time. So, that’s out. Our not so traditional division of roles often raises questions. However emancipated we may consider ourselves, a man without paid work still fits less well in the boxes we have imposed on ourselves. I am proud of his brave choice.
Example
When Elin was born, Erik was back on the work floor after a day and a half of leave. Oh, how I wish I had done that differently in retrospect. But that was just how it went with my own business. I prefer to look forward now to the precious moments to come between him and the children, which they all enjoy so much. And I.
In addition, I am very happy that we can now also give this non-traditional example to Elin and Mats. For them it is perfectly normal that as a woman you can be successful in your work and also be a nice and loving mother. And I say this with great conviction, because I still hear daily that I am the sweetest mom in the world. Ha!
Read also – Papa stopped working: ‘It made him very happy’ >
Stay at home
Moreover, the peace in the house around the division of tasks is a relief and more than worth the halving in income. No squabbling over the dishwasher or the football wash. I feel very lucky, because I also know that this is not for every family. That’s why all three people who stay at home get extra big hugs from me before I leave and when I come home again.
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