quote:

Originally posted by Worldywings:
I find it odd that so many feminist groups go on and on and on about how it makes no difference if the mom stays home with child and sending kids to daycare has absolutely no negative impact on children. I find this odd because at the same time they fight for longer maternity leaves, longer paternity leaves because it is apparently absolutely essential that the mother be given every opportunity to be at home with the little one.

Which is it ladies? You can't have it both ways.

Well, maybe you can and will but that doesn't make it right.

Actually, m'dear, a study from Harvard University in 2004 found that of 168 nations worldwide, the United States is one of only four whose government doesn’t require employers to provide paid maternity leave. The others are Lesotho, Papua New Guinea and Swaziland.

The above is a very sad commentary on the state of US business and their blatent disregard for families. Prehaps if they emulated their European counterparts, this whole issue would be a moot point.

The reason for longer leaves is both medical and familial. I would have thought you've have realised that.

I have to say Lillyanya, you just seem like a very angry person and willing to get on anyone's case if they do not agree exactly with what you say.

I hope to heck you like having an independent child when he gets older and realizes he doesn't have a relationship with you worth continuing. Since you weren't there for him when he needed you, why on earth would he want to stick around for you?

I have been reading all these posts for a while and trying not to be judgmental, but you know what, I can't do it! I do think that being a SAHM is the best thing you can do for your kids and yourself. I think if more kids had more of their parents undivided attention and unquestionable love, there would be less problems in the world. I think that by being the stabilizing force in the home I am helping my husband to feel his worth as the bread-winner and my kids to feel their worth as the amazing people that they are. And it makes me feel good! It makes me feel wonderful to stop and think that right now I am raising responsible, caring members of society - is there a worthier cause?

My house isn't spotless, my laundry isn't caught up - it never is actually. But, *GASP*, we are a darn happy family! I even sometimes stop cleaning in order to read with my children, or color, or play blocks! My kids know that I will be there for assemblies that they sing in, I will help them with science projects (and not yell or complain about the time I'm losing) while doing it. My husband knows that there is someone in the world that supports him 100% and is confident in his ability to provide for our family.

I don't feel lazy. I don't feel unproductive. I don't feel unfulfilled. I feel wonderful, and I wish every woman on this board could say the same.