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Allison Berman
Allison Berman is not only a talented artist and decorating guru, she is also a weekly columnist for the Times Herald Record! Every Tuesday 200,000+ readers follow her trials and tribulations of running a successful business and a happy household.

Read her most recent column below, or click here to catch up on some of her oldies but goodies. If you are looking for a writer for your newspaper, magazine, or blog; or if you just want to say hi, shoot Allison an email directly at ali@withlovealib.com.
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It Takes a Village

By Allison Berman
January 27, 2009

A fellow mom recently asked me to watch her daughter - I immediately said yes. On my way to pick up the girls from school I got stuck behind a landscape truck driving 25 mph in a 50 mph zone. I was scared I would be late, so I called another "mom friend" from class and asked her to wait with the children until I got to school. I felt secure knowing I could count on my friend and the other mom was relieved to count on me.

A nice bonus was by helping the other mom, I helped myself too. My daughter was so thrilled to play with her friend - I was able to straighten up the house and get some time with the baby.

As parents we all are so busy: between work and children and life in general sometimes it is impossible to do everything by ourselves and we have to ask for help. And we need to accept help from others as graciously as we offer it.

A few months ago I received a phone call that I was nominated to be a 2008 Rising Star (individuals between the ages of 21 and 40 who are up-and-coming leaders in their professional and volunteer life). I honestly don't know which thought went through my mind first, "Wow what an honor even to be nominated." Or truthfully it might have been, "If I am chosen what in the world am I going to do with my children at 6:45 in the morning so I can go accept my award at the 7:30am breakfast?!" I am sure many of you can relate to both the logistical and emotional conflict - trying to take care of your children while still taking care of you.

I ended up asking my assistant to come extra early, and while the children slept he "tinkered" with my computer. I didn't want to ask my friends for help because I was uncomfortable imposing, but if my assistant couldn't do it, it was comforting to know I had options. I have relied on my close friends countless times before, and if I had to I would have again.

I don't know if it takes a village to raise a child. But, it just might take our village of moms and dads to raise all of our children.




Allison Berman, an artist and mother of two, handpaints custom home accessories for interior designers and private customers. She works out of her home studio in Warwick, NY. See her collection at www.withlovealib.com. She can be reached at ali@withlovealib.com. Her column appears Tuesdays.