Hot Topic (4/11): Can working moms still be good moms?
This is from an article published by Newsweek.com: (Click link for more information.)
"Can working moms still be good moms? Among both men and women, about two in five report that it's better "if the man earns the money and the woman takes care of the home and children." (That's down from about three in five in 1977.) Eighty percent of women believe that a mom who works outside the home can have just as good a relationship with her children as one who is home, and 67 percent of men agree. (According to recent federal numbers, about 70.5 percent of American women with children under 18 work outside the home—including 60 percent of mothers with children under 3.)"
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Do you think it's better if the man earns the money and the woman takes care of the home and children?
Do you agree or disagree that a mom who works outside of the home can have just as good a relationship with her children as one who is home?
Quoting Cafe GroupAdmin:This is from an article published by Newsweek.com: (Click link for more information.)
"Can working moms still be good moms? Among both men and women, about two in five report that it's better "if the man earns the money and the woman takes care of the home and children." (That's down from about three in five in 1977.) Eighty percent of women believe that a mom who works outside the home can have just as good a relationship with her children as one who is home, and 67 percent of men agree. (According to recent federal numbers, about 70.5 percent of American women with children under 18 work outside the home—including 60 percent of mothers with children under 3.)"
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Do you think it's better if the man earns the money and the woman takes care of the home and children?
Whoever has the better job should work. I know lots of SAHD that are great.
Do you agree or disagree that a mom who works outside of the home can have just as good a relationship with her children as one who is home?
I agree they can have a great relationship with their children. I am the product of a working mother and i turned out fine. And we have a great relationship.
I was a SAHM for almost a year and it drove me crazy. I LOVE my kids but we are all much happier now that mommy has a job and works. And even though I started just to get out for a while this economy right now is killing us and the extra money is helping out a lot.
I was a total SAHM for 8 years. Two years ago I started working parttime in the evenings. I hate it. My husband always has worked during the day except three years he worked graves. I think it does not matter if you are home or working. It's the relationship that matters. A SAHM can still be a crappy mom. So can a working mom.
I seriously hate this question.
How does whether or not I work affect whether or not I'm a good mother? And who's to say what a good mother is to begin with?
Being a good mother is about so much more than the amount of time you spend with them, its also about the quality of time you spend with them. Its whether or not you take the time to get to know them when you are with them. Its about supporting them and teaching them how to figure out who they are.
Its damn sure not about how much time I am in the same area with them. I know SAHM who aren't ever actually around their kids... they are watching soaps while the kids play in there rooms, does that make them a better mother than me because she was at home with them all day even if she never does anything with them? I think not!
and that last statement was about a specific mother I know not all SAHM.
Do you think it's better if the man earns the money and the woman takes care of the home and children? Nope - why shouldn't both parents work? I think its great for children to start interacting with kids their own age as early as possible - its an important part of the learning process imo, besides, the parents are setting a great example for the kids - in life you have to work hard to earn the things you need/want and take care of yourself and as you get older, your family as well. We live in the 21st century... and women have fought so hard for our rights, why should there still be this sexist view of things??
Do you agree or disagree that a mom who works outside of the home can have just as good a relationship with her children as one who is home? Of course she can - what a crazy idea that she can't. Its not quantity its about quality - moms who spend good quality time with their kids are going to have a better relationship with their kids period. I've done both and I think staying home with the kids - you spend more time frustrated and yelling than if youre working... more quality time when youre out of work..
While I do think that a working mom can be just as good as a SAHM, in some cases better than, I think it is a valid question. Children do benefit from having a parent at home, whether thats the mom or the dad. Because of social norms that has typically been women. In addition women tend to have a different kind of bond with their children than men because we give so much of ourselves to them, our bodies and our milk which is why for so long and even still today in some cases the woman is often considered over the father in custody cases when both parents are fit, especially with young children. So it is a valid question, as to whether or not a child psycological benefits from the presence of the mother in the home. I think a child can grow up just fine with a working mom and dad, but I can see why some might disagree.
Heather
Proud Pagan Mama
I feel strongly that moms should be home with the kids, and if that isn't possible than the dad should be. I believe that the over use of daycares is having a negative effect on our society.
I worked full time with our first child. It was a huge mistake, that I will always regret. I tried to convince myself that it wasn't effecting her, but how could it not have. She couldn't have my undevided atention, she had to share me with my career.
One day I woke up and realized she needed me. Sure we don't have as many extras as we used to, but they are so much better off!
Do you think it's better if the man earns the money and the woman takes care of the home and children? I think it is the ideal scenario, but the world we live in is far from ideal. I was a SAHM for 7 years and loved every minute of it. When my baby hit 3rd grade, I went to work part-time. There was quiet an adjustment period where my house was a complete and total wreck.
Do you agree or disagree that a mom who works outside of the home can have just as good a relationship with her children as one who is home? I do believe she can! Think upon this statement:
Work FOR your kids, not BECAUSE of your kids. Work FOR their education, FOR their growth, FOR their well being, FOR their benefit.
Speaking for myself only, I think I was a better mom when I was working full time. I know that I am the type of person who needs a rigid schedule. I do well with that type of life. When working full time, I didn't sweat the small stuff as much, I focused more on the kids when I was with them, I didn't say go play while I cooked. I, if possible, found myself including them while cooking. I also found myself more patient with them. Now I know in some ways it sounds weird, but that was just how it was for me. So, do I think if you work full time you can be a great mom, YES! I think it is all about the quality of time you spend with them, not the quantity.
Eight Year Old Girl Given "Catastrophe Award" By Teacher
- Cafe GroupAdmin
on Apr. 11, 2009 at 1:00 AM