Mothers in the workforce

[slipknot]

I remain convinced that being a Mom in our society IS a career in itself.

That I agree with completely... Sadly, many, many mothers treat it as an inconvenience rather than a 24-hour a day job. Many fathers shirk their responsibilities too.

You know, years ago I spoke with a young man (very sure of himself) who stated that males in general had no physiologically-designated function within the family unit. Their function, according to this young man, ended with the delivery of the DNA material.

I think that his statements can be immediately refuted by looking at what happens to a family unit when a stable male figure is absent.

[Sandman]

Why do you think youth crimes are so rampant.

I guess it depends on who you ask. According to this Department of Justice Report, it's not as rampant as it used to be.

[Hangtime]

Women aren't meant to be slighted by that desire for them to stay home, though.  Essentially, you take the place where you're going to be the most effective for good.  Any time I've seen any chauvinistic tendencies regarding women who stay home to take care of the family have been from outsiders... not from within the families.


No one can make you feel inferior without your consent ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Yup. One of the dumber things I see young families do is confuse what's best for them with what other people think. My daughter decided before she got married (and gained her finance's agreement) that she would be a stay-home mom when the time came. Her decision is based on experience, not outside influence. I applaud her sensibilities.... and by this time next month I'm gonna be a grandpa. Can't wait to step into that role.

[kamilyun]

Raising me and my 3 siblings was a full-time job.  However, once my older brother and sister were in their teens, my Mom had free babysitters for me and my little sister.  She started working out of our home and after us younger two were about 10 or 12 (and older ones off or out of college), she started her own business which she will have run for 20 years next year.  Worked out well for everyone, I think.

My wife's training won't give her a work at home option.  I'm hoping she can find a part time job.

Having watched my daughter for a few weeks while switching jobs, I can vouch for the NEED for daycare a few days a week.  It helps them get socialized and not bored with everything around the house.  Plus, it can save your sanity, too.  I absolutely admire stay at home moms (and dads) b/c there is no way I could do that job full-time.

[Hangtime]

I guess it depends on who you ask. According to this Department of Justice Report, it's not as rampant as it used to be.

Sandy... any possibility the 'gang' violence stats (sharply up) would be a better indicator?

[texasmom]

Yup. One of the dumber things I see young families do is confuse what's best for them with what other people think. My daughter decided before she got married (and gained her finance's agreement) that she would be a stay-home mom when the time came. Her decision is based on experience, not outside influence. I applaud her sensibilities.... and by this time next month I'm gonna be a grandpa. Can't wait to step into that role.

Congrats on becoming a Grandpa! And  on the great daughter. 

[Sandman]

Sandy... any possibility the 'gang' violence stats (sharply up) would be a better indicator?

I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that most teenagers aren't in gangs. I could be wrong.

[eskimo2]

how many of you lads would be willing to take up the role of stay-home-dad. Let go of 10 years of your life and careers, etc.
Yes, it's important, but somehow rarely one sees man volunteering for this post. Yet usually it is a men who argue that women should do it..

My brother-in-law is a stay at home dad; my sister's job pays well.  If my wife could get a job with similar hours to mine but significantly higher pay, we'd probably swap.  My neighbor raised his kids until kindergarten while his wife worked...

[Gaidin]

Possibly.... A responsible father present, a stable relationship between both parents, the school enviornment.. all have impact. I remain convinced that being a Mom in our society IS a career in itself.

This is kind of what I meant in my post.  Sorry if I did not explain it well.  I grew up with a single parent.  I know what I went through, and what my mom went through keeping us in food/clothing/place to live.  I have always felt that if at all possible the mother should stay home with there kids.  Is that always possible, no.  To many deadbeat dads out there and to many women to just have alot of kids so they can get welfare.  I have nothing against women working, but if they have a child at home and it is finacially possible, they should be at home with that child.

I don't pretend to be perfect, but I know where my kids are and for the most part, what they are doing.  That to me is the most important thing of all.

[Gaidin]

how many of you lads would be willing to take up the role of stay-home-dad. Let go of 10 years of your life and careers, etc.
Yes, it's important, but somehow rarely one sees man volunteering for this post. Yet usually it is a men who argue that women should do it..

I would gladly do it if my wife would make more money than me.  I hardly see my kids because I am always working.  I don't want to work all the time, but it keeps the bills paid.  I have told my wife more than once that if she can find a job that pays her more than I make now that I will swap with her.  I don't have a problem with staying at home and taking care of my kids.  I know some that wouldn't even consider it though.