FEMINISM OR FREEDOM?

Recently, I was interviewed about my new company, Cubes & Crayons, by a local newspaper reporter. We offer flexible childcare in tandem with office space for parents and freelance workers. After several questions on the nature of our services, she asked me if this was a "feminist" business. A surprising question for which initially I had no answer. The question has gnawed in the back of my head for days now.

Sure, I believe women should be able to be professional career women and moms. Many men do not have to make the choice, why should women have to? And yet, when I set out on the building of this company, my idea certainly wasn't feminism.

Days later I realized that the business isn't about feminism but instead about freedom. It is about giving women (and men) the opportunity to have it all. We provide freedom. Parents, especially those with young children, need a break. Whether it is to work or go to the grocery store or just take a parent "time out," I wanted people to have that freedom and not just every Monday at 2pm, but whatever day of the week and time of day they need it.

Preserving the parent self is as important to being a good parent as the time spent with your children. So, if you have the opportunity, give yourself the freedom to be you as it makes you a better parent in the long run.