I was a working mom when my son was younger. My husband didn't think women should stay home, but instead should be helping with the household income.
So imagine my surprise when I got roses and an envelope at work one day that said "For Your Boss." Inside the envelope was my resignation letter that my husband had written for me stating that I was needed at home and I was giving my 2 weeks' notice! When I asked him why he had changed his mind, he said that God had laid it on his heart that our son needed me at home and that we would be ok. That was in 1995. We soon added 2 daughters to our family and, yes, there were some financial struggles along the way but we have never regretted our decision.
My husband is a wonderful husband, father and provider. My son is now happily married and my daughters are in high school and very active with school and sports. And…I have been there for everything. I have been room mom, team mom, snack bar mom, you name it, I've done it. I have been asked many times what I do all day since I don't "work outside of the home." I respond with, "I do work outside of the home. I work every day to be there for my kids, their friends, and their schools. I work to ensure that my children are productive, God-fearing citizens, who stand up for themselves. I work to make sure they love and care for those around them. Raising children doesn't just happen in the home, it happens outside the home and it is a lot of work. So, yes, I do 'work outside the home' and thank you for asking."
So thank you, Dr. Laura, for telling parents they need to be there for their children and it can be done. It is hard but the payoff is so worth it.
Keep up the good work, Dr. Laura!
Jill
