working moms
Question and Answer
Do you think it is all right for a woman to make it her exclusive career goal to be a wife and mother? Or should there be something else?
You bet it's all right! Motherhood is an honorable profession that didn't have to be defended for thousands of years. But in the last few decades, young women have been made to feel foolish if they even dared to mention homemaking as a goal.
I remember a college senior who came to see me about her plans after graduation. We talked about various job opportunities and the possibility of her going to graduate school. Then she suddenly paused and looked over her shoulder. She leaned toward me and said almost in a whisper, "May I be completely honest with you?"
I said, "Sure, Debbie. There's nobody here but us. You can say anything you want."
"Well," she continued in a hushed tone, "I don't want to have a career at all. What I really want is to be a full-time wife and mother."
I said, "Why do you say that like it's some kind of secret? It's your life. What's wrong with doing whatever you want with it?"
"Are you kidding?" she said. "If my professors and my classmates at the university knew that's what I wanted, they'd laugh me out of school."
Unbelievably, it has become politically incorrect to have babies and to devote a few years to raising them. That is foolish and insulting. There is no more important job in the universe than to raise a child to love God, live productively, and serve humanity. How ridiculous that a woman should have to apologize for wanting to fulfill that historic role!
Not every woman chooses to be a wife and mother, of course. Some are interested only in a career. Others have no plans to marry. That is all right, too. But those who do elect to be full-time, stay-at-home moms should not be ashamed to admit it—even on a university campus.
Background Information
What to Look For In a Nursery School or Playgroup
When you leave your child in someone else's care, there are some concerns you need to consider.
Working Moms Are Nothing New
It's just that they didn't have to leave their babies in daycare to do it.
Questions and Answers
Do you feel it is still important to have Mom at home in the teen years?
Answer
What do you think of placing children in child-care centers so mothers can work?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
How Motherhood Changed Me
One professional woman recounts her first few weeks at home, alone, with her new baby.
I Can't Do It All
Balance in life is often elusive. But it can be attained.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
The Most Important Job in the World
When it comes to mothering, beware of substitutes.
The Stress of Being Superwoman
Is the title Superwoman too high and lofty for the everyday mom? These quick tips can help you utilize every minute of the day.
Fitting Kids Into a Life
We're well-versed in how to make it in the corporate world. What we need is a little advice about making it in the nursery.
Related Topics
Transitions: Changing Jobs, Moving
Relationships: Communication Gaps
Parenting Teens: Communication Problems
