Comments on: Top Chef and single mom Camille Becerra says “I’m dating myself!”

By: chef uniforms

chef uniforms — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:08:37 +0000

I think it really depends on the age of the child but at age 6 a month and a half is way too long to be away as a single parent.

-Steve

By: Bad Home Cook

Bad Home Cook — Mon, 05 May 2008 22:13:08 +0000

Nope. wouldn’t do it. For a week, maybe, if it was a REALLY HUGE thing like, (I can’t even think of something here). But not a month. I swear I’m not a very Pollyanna-ish mommy, but I mean it when I say those two nits ARE the most important job in my life. Call me when they’re 18…

By: judy

judy — Sat, 03 May 2008 02:05:21 +0000

when she was young absolutely NOT
Now as a teen it would depend upon what the once in a life time was (and at what hormonal place she was in at the precise time I made the decision )

However, when I come up against this type of question I flip it and ask, If my daughter had a once in a life time chance but could not call me for a month what would I say to her……..
IOW I would go because I would encourage herfor a once in a life time

By: Legal Editor Mom

Legal Editor Mom — Thu, 01 May 2008 02:26:55 +0000

I recently changed jobs and I don’t have to travel like I used to, and my daughter is sooo happy. I only did it then because it was for work and she was in good hands with my parents. Now that I don’t have to travel, I have a hard time leaving her for a night, so I know there’s no way I could do a month; especially not being able to talk to her! That’s just out of the question for me, no matter the circumstances.

By: Amy Nathan

Amy Nathan — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 23:53:58 +0000

My kids ARE teens and I wouldn’t do it. Teens have issues, concerns, things to say and trouble to get into. They talk when they want to talk and you have to be available then – whenever then is! I went away for 1 night last week and had trouble doing that. When they’re grown and gone, it will be time for me.

By: singlemomseeking

singlemomseeking — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:21:04 +0000

All of you make a great point: It’s one thing to take advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity… but if you can’t call your kid, that’s just asking to suffer.

Amy: I love the fact that your child is a “once in a life” chance. Great way to phrase it.

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:06:52 +0000

Rachel,

I think Sadie is my once-in-a-life chance. Maybe when she was much older as in a teenager (who really didn’t want much to be around me anyway) – I would imagine she might encourage me to do somethng that was such a special opportunity for me – and to show her that it is important to take care of ourselves and that we can’t sacrifice everything – I would likely do it. But right now at age 3 and I would say for at least the next 10 – 12 years it would be a “no” for me.

Amy

By: Jorge Fitz-Gibbon

Jorge Fitz-Gibbon — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:50:37 +0000

Rachel;
I love this post. It’s a helluva question. Personally, I’d have to agree that it would have to be a once-in-a-million opportunity. If it was to take an extended, exotic trip, I’d have to say no. I would want my son along to complete the experience anyway. For fame and fortune? More enticing, but it would be tough and the right situation. For a Pulitzer? Hmmm.
I also linked your post on my blog, so I’ll be curious to see what my readers have to say.

By: dadshouse

dadshouse — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:32:09 +0000

I could do leave my kids for a month for a once-in-a-lifetime thing, but not much longer than that. Kids are an important part of my life, and they do keep me tethered to the bay area (I have no other family here), but sometimes growth and opportunity comes with separation, if only for a short time.

As for Camille saying she’s dating herself – good for her! I think people can get so caught up in the search for a partner that they sometimes don’t get to know themselves, and might forget to smell the roses along the way. Her rhubarb tart looks yummy, btw.

By: avigail74

avigail74 — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:40:19 +0000

I can leave my child for a few days with a very trusted relative ONLY for a few days! And, goodness, I have to talk to her. Hearing her voice makes my entire day. I don’t think I can do a month with no phone contact. Oh my goodness, my heart just sinks just imagining it!