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08/20/2015
Dr. Laura,
I am a 30-year-old stay-at-home mom. I am part of a Facebook moms group where women can ask for help related to breastfeeding, sleep training, fun toddler activities, etc. etc. Yesterday, a woman wrote to the group explaining how she is conflicted about staying home with her child. She said she feels "guilty" about the decrease in household income and for all of the years she put into building her career. I commented and simply said that the best person to raise a child is a loving mother. And that if she quit her job, there will be 5 people in line to take it, but if she quit being a mother, there will be no one to fill her shoes. Dr. Laura, you would have thought I was condoning the worst of crimes considering how the other women responded to my comment.
Women said I was rude and hateful, and that I was "tearing down other mothers." Dr. Laura, NOT one other mother responded with a similar viewpoint to mine. Instead, here is what they were writing: "You're jealous of moms who make enough money to put their multiples in day care. If you could, you would be back to work in a heartbeat!" "What does it matter if the mom chooses to work or not? The children are still in the care of others." "Women who choose to work are not quitting as mothers. They are teaching their daughters to be independent." "I could stay home, but I chose to work because I have a career I value and find rewarding." And so on and so on. I am heartbroken by the mothers of my generation. And speechless.
Dr. Laura, thank you for all that you do. Please please PLEASE keep spreading your message. I heard it loud and clear and am my kid's mom. He can't talk yet, but I am sure he is thankful for it everyday. I can only hope that more moms my age hear your advice too, and that they actually take it.
Cheers,
Erin
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