I realize the debate between stay-at-home-mothering vs daycare can sometimes get ugly, but the following thoughts have been rolling around in my head for some time now ... so here goes.
"I do not believe that all woman should stay home and have babies, but I am firmly convinced that all mothers should stay home and raise their children."
Now before I continue (or find some folks up in arms about the impracticality of my statement) let me also say this: I realize there are always exceptions to every rule. Some circumstances which would affect a mom's stay-at-home option might include: divorce, single parenting issues, mental and/or physical illness, finances, etc...But for lack of a set of circumstances beyond a mom's control, I do believe a mother's place is with her children. And if not possible at any one given moment in time, that should be the ultimate goal. And not just for the children's sake, mind you, but FOR THE MOTHER's sake as well!
Mothering is a wonderful experience and I know I am certainly a better person for having dedicated my time and energy to full time parenting. Not only did my kids always know (as Doctor Phil says ;-) that their home was "a safe place to fall" - but as their mother in this process, I reaped the benefits (then and now) of a uniquely close and enduring relationship with my sons.
BTW, in a libertarian world, with no income tax, it would be much more do-able financially for moms to stay-at-home. :-)
Jan Stover, The Libertarian Mom
Thanks for this, Jan. I agree wholeheartedly! I am so happy that I have the opportunity to be home a mother my kids full time. It's not always easy, but it is best for them and for me.
ReplyDeleteExactly ... and I believe we moms can, to a large part, create the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom (barring some major unforeseen curve ball life might throw at us).
ReplyDeleteMy experiences have shown me that being a stay-at-home mom didn't make me the riches mom on the block when it came to money in the bank -- but I was definitely one of the riches moms on the block when it came to really knowing my children, participating and savoring their childhood, and having those wonderful memories to cherish now that my sons are grown.