RACHEE FAGG Library chick. Single mom.

AGE   38

HOMETOWN   Philly girl

@TWITTER   @sayitrahshay

ON THE WEB   Say It Rah-shay.com

NUMBER OF CHILDREN   One

DAY JOB   Library chick.

RELATIONSHIP STATUS   Involved

FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOK   My daughter loves, loves, loves Happy to Be Nappy by bell hooks.

HOW DO YOU COMBINE WORK AND FAMILY?

I am lucky that I work in a library and that my kid can come to work with me. Now that she’s older (a tween), she’s able to come and help out with programs and general duties or she’s able to entertain herself. I try to reserve one night a week as “Us Time.” We will have an early evening at home, borrow a movie from the Library, and have a special dinner.

Weekends she is usually with her father, but the weekends she’s with me we have a special breakfast. And after scouts or other commitments we do something together. A scheduled event or something completely unplanned. We talk, chat and have a journal that the we both write in.

WHAT IS YOUR WORST PARENTING MOMENT?

I felt so guilty about the break up of my marriage that I kind of let my kid run wild. After I realized that this was no way I wanted her to grow up, I stopped having a pity party and we have changed the way we do things.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST PARENTING MOMENT?

When my kid was on the fringe of some mean girl nonsense at school and walked away from it. I knew that she was going to be able to think for herself even if it felt uncomfortable.

HOW HAS PARENTING AFFECTED YOUR RELATIONSHIP?

I am fortunate to have a boyfriend who is aware that my life as a single parent means that the demands on my time will be stretched. He is thoughtful and patient as I try to juggle a full schedule.

WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS AS A PARENT AND WHAT ARE YOUR WEAKNESSES?

I try to do too much, thinking that I’m giving my kid an advantage. Sometimes she just wants to kick back and relax. I am a reactive parent and strive to be more of a parent who is better prepared.

WHO ELSE PROVIDES CHILDCARE FOR YOUR CHILDREN?

I am lucky that my family lives so close. My mother, aunt or sister are available to help out when I need them. Also, despite my daughter’s father and I not being together, he is available in a pinch.