Many new mothers often find themselves facing a difficult dilemma: Should they go back to work or stay at home with their babies? Aside from the financial question, being a stay at home mother comes along with its own problems. Since the rise of feminism, being a stay-at-home mom has become stigmatized, and society as a whole seems to look down on these mothers who choose to be at home with their children.
We’re here to break down some of the most infamous stereotypes surrounding the dilemma of going back to work versus staying at home with your baby so that you can make a truly independent decision.
Stereotype #1 – Stay-at-home moms have all the free time in the world
Not only is this untrue, but it’s exactly the opposite. Women who go to work have time to make themselves a cup of coffee – and actually drink it! The same cannot be said for women who stay at home with their kids. But it’s not just about the cup of coffee. Stay-at-home moms work around their kids’ schedules and rarely have a minute to themselves. Maybe they don’t need to punch a timecard, but they certainly don’t have free time.
Stereotype #2 – Stay-at-home moms are wasting their potential
Some stay-at-home moms hold multiple degrees, but that doesn’t mean they’re wasting their potential. While they may not be a tenured professor or CEO of a company, they are using their smarts and talents to raise children. And believe me, raising kids demands all of the ingenuity, resourcefulness, and people skills that the most harrowing job demands.
Stereotype #3 – Stay-at-home moms are lazy
Sure, stay-at-home mothers don’t need to be in the office by 9:00 am, but they do get woken at all hours of the night and are on constant call to satisfy their children’s needs. Stay-at-home moms often spend their time doing errands, laundry, and dishes, or tidying and playing games on the floor. They may not be in business meetings, but they’re certainly not lazy.
Stereotype #4 – Stay-at-home moms have nothing interesting to say
Just because a mother chooses to stay at home with their child doesn’t mean that all she can talk about is children. Stay-at-home moms come from many different backgrounds and they can watch the news just like the rest of us, so if someone complains that they can’t have a “real” conversation with a stay-at-home mom, the only thing that’s stopping them is, well, them.
Stereotype #5 – Stay-at-home moms are spoiled brats
Many mothers who choose to return to the workforce after they give birth cite financial necessity as the reason. Therefore, being a stay-at-home mom is considered a luxury, something that only women who marry well or come from money can achieve. The fact is, many stay-at-home moms aren’t living lavish lives, but rather, they make sacrifices so that they can stay at home with their kids. They forgo the new car, eating out at restaurants, and shopping sprees just so that they can make do with what they have. Stay-at-home moms aren’t spoiled, they are actually masters of discipline.
Women Supporting Women
Mothers who choose to stay home with their children often feel judged by society, and a lot of that judgment comes from women. What a shame. Women have enough trouble with men putting us down, so why should we become each other’s worst enemies?
If you believe that women should support one another’s decisions, it’s time to take action.
What ideas can you come up with for actively supporting your fellow women?
