I dragged my son to all my work meetings as a single mom who couldn't afford childcare. I worried I ruined his childhood.

The author (not pictured) brought her son to all work meetings.

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• Suddenly single without child support, I brought my baby everywhere with me.
• He endured the chaos and harsh realities of entrepreneurship, including international moves.
• I thought an abnormal childhood ruined him, but it helped him grow.

My breath stopped, my brain scrambled, and my heart sank. I was sure I'd lose my biggest contract. There I was, mid-sentence, explaining...