This article opened my mind to the idea that a woman can still be a feminist even if she chooses motherhood over a working career. While I was reading this article I couldn’t help but think of “The Family: A Proclamation To The World.” I know a few people who have almost nothing to do with raising their children. I know of some situations where the mother is so caught up in work that she ends up having a nanny raise her own children. I actually have friends who are just as close, if not closer, to their nannies as they are their mothers. I think this type of circumstance is wrong and far too extreme.
I really liked the way that the author explained that the reason she chose to be a stay at home mother had nothing to do with her obligation to her children. She mentions that many other feminists would say that she was doing the “noble thing.” I couldn’t agree more with the author’s argument that it is ok for a feminist to choose a life of motherhood.
My mom actually quit her job after my younger brother was born. After seeing some of the situations some of my friends have grown in I'm very grateful that she quit her career to be a mom. I couldn't agree more with the author's arguement.
If a mom can manage to have a career and still spend enough time with her children, then there's nothing wrong with her having a career. But I think a lot of the time, moms (and dads too) put their career in front of their children, and that's when problems arise. If you're going to have children, you darn well better be willing to take care of them. Otherwise, what's the point?
ReplyDeleteI'm the youngest of 7 children and when the rest of my siblings were young, my mom was at home, but later, while I was in elementary, middle school, and high school, my mom worked full time. I like that the author mentions why she CHOSE to be a mom. I think every woman needs to know why they chose their lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteI'll be honest. Being a mom scares me to death for the same reasons it scared the author of this article. Probably even worse than her, because I am very close to an example of my worst nightmare for my future. However, I feel like I'm accumulating bad karma by even attempting to write what I really feel, so I'll stop here.
ReplyDeleteIt's my opinion, like so many others that have posted, that it should be entirely up to the mother. She shouldn't feel obligated to stay in the home unless that's what she feels is right. Likewise, she shouldn't force herself to work instead of stay at home if that's not what she wants.
ReplyDeleteI think this article Quindlen is my favorite that we've read so far. I liked her vivid, lifelike descriptions of being a mom. My mom, too, did not work for almost my entire childhood and I really appreciated it. I know there were some things that she willingly gave up doing because it conflicted with her desire to raise her children.
ReplyDeleteMy mom is so awesome. :)
Growing up with 3 sisters and a mom and learned a lot about the divine calling of motherhood. I am so grateful for my mom and everything she did for me. I am grateful that my mom chose motherhood over work and took pride in doing her best to to take car of my sisters and I. When I grow up and have a job and stuff, I hope to be able to support my family enough to allow my wife to stay at home to nurture and raise the kids.
ReplyDeleteYour mention of "The Family" reminds me of a quote that I once heard that said something along the lines of "every priesthood holder should consider himself a feminist." Feminist is quite a loaded word and it often has some negative connotations but it really doesn't need to thought of negatively.
ReplyDeleteI loved this article so much because is really synthesized womanhood and motherhood. She addressed some very real and valid emotions that are present in many cases, but not expressed. I am honestly looking forward to being a mom...someday. However, when I'm a mom I'm not going to sacrifice myself as a person and a woman. That would serve absolutely no purpose. How can I give my kids the best if I'm not me? I won't be giving up a career. I'll just be focusing on a different one.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that post comments on this article are much longer and more thoughtful than any other article we've read so far. I think this just goes to show how significant a mother's choice between a career, raising the family, or a combination is for each of us. Unfortunately, the significance of that choice often seems overlooked.
ReplyDeleteMy mother was a stay-at-home mom during my early childhood. She would spend tons of time with me and read to me every night. I attribute my intellectual prowess to her early nurturing. Is there a better calling than raising a family? sure there are some that come close, but i think that the family comes first. now that my siblings and I are all grown up, my mother has taken on another job, I believe that we have a healthier relationship as a family and I also believe that I had a more fruitful childhood due to her efforts
ReplyDeleteMy mother has nearly always had a full time job and recently went back to school and got her master's degree. Somehow, she kept a very active role in my and my siblings' lives. I don't think nurturing requires a mother to stay at home 24/7. It helps, sure, but a career can be beneficial to the home-especially when said career involves being around children for most of the day. Economically, it can ease a lot of burdens and make raising children easier.
ReplyDeleteThe presence of the mother in the home is really important. In cases I have seen with my extended family, there are examples on both sides. I have noticed that when the mother is present in a child's life, they tend to be more grounded. My mom has worked part time most of my life, and I loved the days she would be home after school. I love my mom and all that she has done for me. Without my mom and her influence, I would not be the same person
ReplyDeleteYeah Sven! We should all be feminists! haha.
ReplyDeleteOn a more serious note: I have always been so so glad my mom stayed home and was always there to do everything for me. i hope i am in a situation where i can do that when i get older.
I just have to agree with you and the author. I don't believe it is wrong for a feminist to be a stay at home mom. I think it is admirable.
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