So I was making the case for it because there’s so much negativity around motherhood right now. Based on the headlines and the hell that mothers have been through the last two years, I wouldn’t be surprised if young women in their early 20s look at us and think, I don’t want any of that. (As a matter of fact, I read a nytimes piece where they interviewed a bunch women to reflect on the pandemic. And there was a woman in her 20s who basically said as much. I have tried to locate the piece but I can’t seem to find it!)
I guess I feel the need to put something out there right now around motherhood that is somewhat positive.
Now I stay at home, write and watch 2 of our grandchildren a few days a week for our daughter who is a single mom. It is hard at times but it is also a joy to help this way. I highly recommend Mom's groups, especially if you are affiliated with a church. It is really helpful to have mom's that you can relate to and do activities with.
I stayed at home mostly with all 3 of our kids. A couple of times, I worked outside jobs part time that I could take my kids with me to, like working at a day care, and cleaning our church. Eventually, I went back to school while they were still living at home and thinking that I would work so that I could help give them a good education. I worked very little but had medical problems but I am honestly thankful that I did stay home with them.
Being a SAHM is not promoting stereotypes. You do a thorough job in this post showing how mothers are whole people, defined by more than their children. This alone shows how far we've come, that we are in fact NOT defined simply by being a mother. (although there will always be some prehistoric men who claim otherwise)
And - motherhood is an archetype. You are your child's first home (simply by virtue of housing them for 9 months) - even if you weren't their primary caregiver. I actually write a bit about this in the context of my research on the psychology of home. While I currently write Finding Home on Substack, this is a post from two years ago on my Wordpress blog that you may find interesting: https://janpepplerhome.com/2020/05/10/mom-is-a-metaphor-for-home/ Happy Mother's Day, everyday. You are not only home and mom to your children, you're a role model for what a whole person can be.
Really like you making the case for being a SAHM mom / primary caregiver even if you have the choice to do otherwise.
So I was making the case for it because there’s so much negativity around motherhood right now. Based on the headlines and the hell that mothers have been through the last two years, I wouldn’t be surprised if young women in their early 20s look at us and think, I don’t want any of that. (As a matter of fact, I read a nytimes piece where they interviewed a bunch women to reflect on the pandemic. And there was a woman in her 20s who basically said as much. I have tried to locate the piece but I can’t seem to find it!)
I guess I feel the need to put something out there right now around motherhood that is somewhat positive.
So many thought provoking points here. Really appreciate you highlighting the specific women and organizations working for policy change, too.
Thank you as always for reading! I think a lot of women are taking their pandemic rage and pushing it forward in productive ways 🥰
Now I stay at home, write and watch 2 of our grandchildren a few days a week for our daughter who is a single mom. It is hard at times but it is also a joy to help this way. I highly recommend Mom's groups, especially if you are affiliated with a church. It is really helpful to have mom's that you can relate to and do activities with.
I stayed at home mostly with all 3 of our kids. A couple of times, I worked outside jobs part time that I could take my kids with me to, like working at a day care, and cleaning our church. Eventually, I went back to school while they were still living at home and thinking that I would work so that I could help give them a good education. I worked very little but had medical problems but I am honestly thankful that I did stay home with them.
Being a SAHM is not promoting stereotypes. You do a thorough job in this post showing how mothers are whole people, defined by more than their children. This alone shows how far we've come, that we are in fact NOT defined simply by being a mother. (although there will always be some prehistoric men who claim otherwise)
And - motherhood is an archetype. You are your child's first home (simply by virtue of housing them for 9 months) - even if you weren't their primary caregiver. I actually write a bit about this in the context of my research on the psychology of home. While I currently write Finding Home on Substack, this is a post from two years ago on my Wordpress blog that you may find interesting: https://janpepplerhome.com/2020/05/10/mom-is-a-metaphor-for-home/ Happy Mother's Day, everyday. You are not only home and mom to your children, you're a role model for what a whole person can be.