I was listening to NPR this morning and heard an interesting story about the Ad Council. They’re the ones behind such successful ad campaigns as:
“Friends don’t let friends drive drunk.”
“Only you can prevent forest fires.”
The Shelter Pet Project- (watch their super funny ad!)
and…
Rosie the Riveter was a majorly successful campaign in drawing women to the workforce while men were off at war. The NPR story this morning said two million women went to work to support the war economy because of that campaign. That got me thinking about the often debated topic of whether we should work in the home or out of the home. I could go on for days on this one. But, I’d like to know your thoughts. If you’re a SAHM, do you wish you were at work? If you work outside the home, do you wish you were a SAHM?
After leaving a voice mail message for my NPR listening buddy, she sent me this graphic that’s been floating around Facebook. It is so very true. What do you think?
Mom Land 
Feb 15, 2012 @ 15:55:08
I think for those that choose to be a stay at home mom wish they were at work, and if they are at work they wish they were at home. Well, Maybe, LOL.
The grass is always greener or so they say.
Anybody can scan the internet and find a statistic to make the point (opinion) that you already have. But I think as moms we just have to decide for ourselves what is best for us and what is best for our children.
If you work a full-time job, you get up a bit early each morning to make sure your children eat a healthy breakfast and dress appropriately for the day (no flip-flops in the snow… yea they will try that one if you have only one eye open, or some other mix matched outfit that will make us cringe)
Then you make sure that you set your priorities toward your children and off to work you go. I’m sure their are ugly bosses out their but I don’t know how long I would stay at a company that did not allow me to take time off for parent-teacher conferences, field trips, or just sick children.
If you are a stay at home mother you still have a full-time job, it just involves all the things you did when you worked outside the home, plus the child care during the day and hopefully volunteering at your child’s school (to help out the run-down moms who are at their day jobs, LOL)
I think our children can be well rounded individuals no matter if we choose to work at home or in an office. We just have to make sure to always make them a priority and teach them great values and set a good example that they will one day follow.
Feb 15, 2012 @ 21:04:35
Frost, so true! Its always greener on the other side…
Feb 15, 2012 @ 16:13:44
I am a SAHM and I have no desire to be out working, away from my child. Really and truly. I never had a close relationship with my own mother mostly because she worked so much, and being able to have that closeness with my own daughter is priceless to me. I could go on and on about all of the problems I believe could be solved in the world by mothers (or fathers) spending more time with their children, but that’s for another day, lol. That’s not to say I don’t respect mothers who choose to work and parents who are in situations where they just cannot possibly stay at home, but I believe if you do have that option that staying home with your children in the early years is very important.
Feb 15, 2012 @ 21:02:46
Sarah, you are right. I miss being with my kids during the day. 😦
Feb 16, 2012 @ 05:22:14
I’ve heard many of the arguments/opions about the decision to go to work outside the home or to stay at home. I chose to become a SAHM and love it. There are days when I think I should return to the workforce outside my home, but then I realize that any money I make will only be enough to cover childcare. And I won’t have the freedom to stay home w/a sick kiddo or help take an ailing in-law to the hospital, doctors, or any other place they need to go.I like being able to have time for myself to workout or just read a book. I like being able to take care of the domestic chores whenever I want or don’t want to. I enjoy cooking and trying new receipies for my family. I love it when my hubby comes home and kisses me as soon as he walks in the door. And having dinner ready and waiting for him and the boys. Being with my boys (and hoping to adopt a baby girl) is so rewarding by being able to watch them grow into their own little personalities. I get comfort by taking them to school and then picking them up from school. Ok, I seem to have gone on a rampage, sorry. The one thing that really rubbs me the wrong way is the negitve sterotypes SAHMs get. The pic is funny, yeah, but it also still sends the wrong message about what SAHMs truely like.
Feb 16, 2012 @ 16:01:52
Tara, Congrats on the plans for baby girl! Exciting! Yes, there are so many treasured moments you get from being at home. I miss those. 😦
Feb 16, 2012 @ 15:54:42
I love that graphic, it’s so true. I am a SAHM, and honestly, if I was working outside the home, I’ll still be doing what I’m doing now, but I’ll also be working. It’s hard both ways, but I think it depends on what is best for the family.
As for for dispelling people’s beliefs, I invite people over for a day with me. By 1pm they are tired and yawning (not from bordem but from exhaustion) and they say, they never knew it was so much work.
Feb 16, 2012 @ 16:03:09
Kalley, Tell me about it! Staying at home was always nuts. There were days I didn’t brush my teeth until my now-ex-husband came home. It’s emotionally and physically exhausting! I have several girlfriends who say they go to work to get a break.
Feb 24, 2012 @ 13:18:18
I have two kids and have always worked outside the home. I was lucky enough to take 5 months off of work after both were born and then have husband and inlaws watch them when I went back to work. The SAHM vs. working mom debate is a stressor for me. I feel judged because I don’t stay at home with my kids. Sometimes I am the one doing the judging, sometimes I feel judged by others. I work because a have a really well paying, once in a lifetime oppurtunity type of job that I love. Does that mean I love my kids less? No, it means I made a decision for my family and our financial future. Because of this decision my husband has been able to quit his job and go back to school and my kids have a fabulous relationship with my inlaws. Would I do things differently if I could? Yes, in a heartbeat. I would love to work part-time so I could still have the intellectual challenge, but have more time with the kids and just more time at home in general. It is very hard to be at work 10 hrs most days and find time to do all the things that need to be done around the house, kids activities, cooking, and quality time to enjoy my kids. Plus where do I find time to focus on the husband and have some quiet time for myself?!
Feb 24, 2012 @ 18:56:44
Erin, that balance is always a struggle. We can just strive to do the best we can.