A Woman’s Nation: A new report from Maria Shriver tells us just how much women’s lives have changed
Maria Shriver and the Center for American Progress commissioned a study of the state of women today – their work life and their home life.
Through polling and interviews, the partnership has produced a VERY meaty report called “A Woman’s Nation Changes Everything.” Time Magazine and NBC news outlets have been reporting the results of this study all week. There is also a Web site with all the findings.
Here is the web site The Shriver Report: A Woman’s Nation Changes Everything
Here is the link to NBC news with videos from the Today Show and MSNBC.
We can’t deal with the whole report at once so here are few highlights to start us off:
From Maria Shriver’s opening essay:
- … fully HALF of U.S. workers are female—and mothers have become the primary breadwinners in 4 in 10 American families.
- Half of all families rely on the earnings of two parents and in more than 20 percent of all families a single mother is the primary breadwinner.
- Seventy percent of families with kids include a working mother.
- Shriver says “And more and more of them, like me, are moving into what I call ‘the squeezed generation,’ caring for both kids and our own aging parents.’”
(Shriver found that caring for elderly family members is becoming a huge issue for families.)
- …Today, women now earn 60 percent of the college degrees awarded each year and fully half of the Ph.D.s and the professional degrees.
- Almost 40 percent of working women hold managerial and other professional positions.
- Women make 80 percent of the buying decisions in American homes.
- “Virtually all married couples told the pollsters they’re negotiating the rules of their relationships, work, and family. An overwhelming majority of both men and women said they’re sitting down at their kitchen tables to coordinate their family’s schedules, duties, and responsibilities, including child care and elder care, at least two to three times a week. Men said it was more like every day!”
- “In the Rockefeller/Time poll, more than three-quarters of both men and women agreed that the increased participation of women in the workforce is a positive change for society. Both sexes also agreed that men are becoming more financially dependent on women. And both women and men said they’re still adjusting their lives, their expectations, and their assumptions to the change.”
Some interesting stats from Tuesday’s Today Show with Shriver:
- 86 percent of women who work feel like the majority of housework and childcare still falls on them!
However, Dad are helping more.
- Since the 1960s, men helping with housework has jumped from 15 percent to 30 percent.
- Since the 1960s, men helping with childcare has tripled!
- However, 70 percent of women polled said they feel like they alone are responsible for childcare and eldercare. (There seems to be a disconnect in how much women think men are helping or in how much men are reporting they are helping.)
What do you make of this study?
Are you working? Are you the primary breadwinner? How has that affected your family life or your relationship with your husband?
What do you make of women earning 60 percent of the college degrees each year?
What is the work split at home for housework? For childcare? For eldercare?
Is eldercare becoming a big issue for you?
Tell us what you think about the site
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146 comments Add your comment
Active Duty Mom
October 21st, 2009
7:01 pm
A-men, Deidre! You never know what cards life will deal you and I have seen several women who were stay at home mothers whose active duty husbands did not come back from Iraq and Afghanistan alive. These women have had to change gears very quickly and brush off their resumes (not to mention change geographic location with kids in tow) in a hurry. I know five women in my generation alone (late 30s/early 40s) who are now widows with children. Don’t be so quick to judge, folks! To the earlier posters who bemoan the women’s movement (which goes back further than the 1960s), just remember that the women’s movement also ensured that women now have the right to vote, serve in the military, own property, a credit card and a bank account in their own name, pursue advanced academic degrees, participate in school sports, plan if and when to have children, and receive equal pay. It also ensured these same rights to us and our daughters as well. Yes, I work, have two kids, and am also financially supporting two parents with severe health problems. I thank God every day that I have a wonderful, loving husband who is also a wonderful father to our kids. Folks, I’ve seen two-income military families where both parents have to work to stay afloat and I’m talking about the necessities such as housing, food, and clothing. The cost of living here in Atlanta is low compared to places such as San Diego, CA and Washington, DC. If you live in a household where both parents do not have to work to pay for necessities, be thankful but please do not judge others.
Kendall
October 21st, 2009
7:09 pm
Excuse me ladies…the point is!!! I gave up the almight paycheck to live by what some call sub-standard living. Did you not read? I rent! My cars are old! I don’t have a cell phone! My TV is only 36 inches! I shop at Wal-mart! Yes by god I hope my hubby doesn’t lose his job but these women who CHOSE to work are not living these sub-standard conditions!!! They DO live in nicer homes. They DO drive nicer cars. They DO shop at better stores! What is it YOU don’t get? They CHOSE to work and neglect their families so they can keep up with the Joneses!!! BTW…I LIVED in Los Angeles for 8 years so don’t tell me what the cost of living is there!!! I KNOW! Which is why I came back south…back to making concessions for a better lifestyle..it does not come down to working your butt off so you can have the best material things money can buy. FAMILY FIRST!!!
Kendall
October 21st, 2009
7:12 pm
What I’m saying is…we made choices to give up what most of you have so that I could stay home and be with my kids!!! Be there!! I mean really be there! You can’t be there when you work! Are you kidding? When the teacher asks for volunteers and chaperones, I never have to check with a boss or submit vacation days. I’m available 24/7 for my kids! Not a slave to a J-O-B!!!!
Kendall
October 21st, 2009
7:15 pm
I rent an apartment!!! Not a HOUSE!!! But I’m always there for my kids!!! I don’t have a mortgage. Do my kids notice? H*ll yes!!! I’m always there for them whatever the situation. I don’t have alot in material things but who needs more than 1500 square ft living space??? These megamansions came about by the greed of wannabes over the last decades which forced two-parent working households.
Kendall
October 21st, 2009
7:20 pm
Active duty…you ALSO made that choice….to work. If people were willing to live BELOW their means and not have the best then we could all have a one-family income. No pity here for you. My husband is not rich. He doesn’t even a college degree but we get by.
sounds like healthy fare kendall
October 21st, 2009
7:24 pm
Swedish meatballs in mushroom alfredo sauce? Jesus..are you giving them a liter of soda to wash that down with? Glad to see with all your resources to provide for your family you came up with something as healthy as a dish that has been described as a heart attack on a plate. I’m sure as your family fights through high blood pressure, morbid obesity, and adult onset diabetes, they’ll be happy that you were around instead of those poor kids who’s mothers came home, gave them a PB&J with some apple and talked to them about the virtues of being a tolerant, objective person who embraces the diversity of humankind.
motherjanegoose
October 21st, 2009
7:27 pm
@ Kendall….you have made your choice and I for one respect that! If you are happy being a SAHM forever and you never have to go back to work…good for you.
Others are not in this boat and it is not always their choice.
While it is GREAT that you can volunteer and chaperone, most kids will grow up just fine with parents who cannot BE THERE at every turn. I work with thousands of teachers who are there for everyone else’s kids and, when they are teaching, they are probably not a room mom or dad.
I was able to volunteer 2-4 hours every month for 6 years at the middle school when my kids were there. It is not always feast or famine ….black or white. Some jobs ca be flexible.
I am able to take my kids to historical places all over the country, so that they can LIVE history and not just read about it. This is a choice I make for myself and my kids, I work to pay for it.
Reality, kids who ride the bus home are not neglected…they may just be a tad more mature and independent…just my thoughts and rambling words.
Finally, to me, if I had to take on a part time job to get out of renting and owning a home…this would not even be an issue. We all look at things differently and that is just the way it is. Some children would be much better off if their parents were not there 24/7 and had their own life instead of hovering over their kids.
My own Mother never worked and was always a SAHM….our family was not a happy one. We did not even like our Mother and that is still true for all three sisters who are now grown.
Jeff
October 21st, 2009
8:09 pm
Are we, as a society, ready to give truly equal consideration to men being the primary custodian in divorce case? You know, the whole 50/50 thing? And are women ready to start paying child support and alimony with true equality? Are women ready to give up the chivalrous side of dating and relationships (paying for things) for equal pay in the workplace? In other words, if you want true equality in pay, then there needs to be a willingness for equality in courtship as well. Just a thought for the next logical step in making progress.
Education
October 21st, 2009
8:27 pm
Actually there could be another way of reading all that Kendall posted. Her child was in daycare until 4th grade, she just chaperoned the 5th grade. Sold the 300K to rent an apartment. Drives a beater. Has a 36″ tv. We will ignore the Walmart comment because Walmart’s stock and quarterly returns were some of the best news in the recession. She has a HS eduction.
Another way to read all of that: Downsized, credit debt, foreclosure, decided to say screw it and live off the hubby.
Kendall will reply. She is a moron who dotes on her family but spent more than half the day and a good part of the hours the kids were up showing her arse here.
Jen
October 21st, 2009
8:53 pm
Late to the party!
To the very early poster who railed about divorce statistics because of “women’s lib” (you are dating yourself! You sound like your mother):
Heck yes, the number of divorces increased. Because women were earning a living and could afford to leave their rotten spouses.
That is a bad thing?
The women’s movement empowered women to make choices.
Some chose to get and education and work. Some chose to breed and stay home. Some did both, even without a college education. Some had no choice.
But they had their own pay check, no matter how small. I was going to use the word “pecuniary” but that is a big word for y’all.
Money is power.
For a lot of women, it means freedom from living with a spouse from hell.
Me? I was blessed with a fantastic education at Emory and great career opportunities that continue to amply reward me financially. Plus, I love what I do.
I took advantage of the choices that feminism provided.
It’s all about choices.
Annie
October 21st, 2009
10:33 pm
Kendall, have you considered what working mothers bring to society that directly impact your child? Teachers, doctors, nurses, police, etc etc.
I myself am not a mother, so I really have no opinion either way regards stay at home or join the workforce. But I will say that nobody knows what goes on behind closed doors and for you to be so judgemental over this issue makes me think that you have issues that go far deeper than any of us can fathom.
JATL
October 21st, 2009
11:44 pm
WOW -how about the SAHMs and “working” moms all lay off one another! Neither is easy for different reasons. Now, if you’re one of the lucky FEW (and it really is a few), SAHMs who also has a housekeeper and plenty of money to go to the gym, have a nanny -at least part time even though you stay at home, shop, live comfortably, etc. then I do roll my eyes at you. However, whether you stay at home or go to a job every day, if you’re a decent parent you’re working really hard. And, as someone who has stayed at home with young children -there’s a whole different set of issues that comes with that (are you listening “hate working”)? Every family is different and every woman is different -some work because they can’t stand staying at home, some are the primary breadwinners, some just have to do it to make ends meet and some are the ONLY breadwinners. SAHMs get very little respect in the world at large -but a LOT of judgement. Most of us don’t have housecleaning help and we’re stressed about finances and trying very hard to keep the house clean, the food cooked and take care of the kids AND a good 80% of SAHMs that I know have some type of part-time or 1/4 time money-making thing going on so they can have a little cash. SO everybody lay off! In a perfect world parents could work part-time and get paid plenty of cash and spend loads of quality time with their kids all while being fulfilled in their careers. Not going to happen! Remember the saying -”Don’t judge until you’ve walked a mile in his/her shoes.” You may think someone’s life is fantastic, but you don’t have a clue.
Kendall
October 22nd, 2009
6:56 am
Education…you wish sweetie. This is NOT wishful thinking. The hubby makes OVER six figures. I am not exaggerating or embelishing. We chose to sell the $300K house that lost $60K in the real estate fallout..no foreclosure, we have no credit card debt as we pay CASH for everything and we could easily go out and purchase that $30K Challenger my hubby wants. We had the monster Samsung 60″, the riding lawnmowers, the monthly gardener, the granite upgrades in the kitchen, the $1K HOA with pool/tennis. But what for? So we can say…oooooh! Look at us. I’d say we’re alot smarter than you guys strapped for cash. We gave all that up so I could stay home and we have money and time to travel anywhere we want. The hubby works 4-day weeks? I didn’t say I didn’t have ANY education…I have a technical degree…not a college degree. It was a joint decision between my husband and myself to be a SAHM. We BOTH thought it more beneficial to my one and only child to be with him. And if we could EASILY afford it, why not? I don’t have a brood as some may suggest. When asked, my son says he is happier now than before WITHOUT all those fancy things. Why, I asked? Because “you get to stay here with me”. He loves me so much. Of course now someone will say he’s a mamma’s boy. You girls just can’t resist, can you? You would love it if he were some loser, apron grabbing kid. Sorry to disappoint in this area as well. My little darling takes karate, music, hip hop dancing, volunteers at the church to give out food, is on the Math Team, gets all A’s and B’s, making honor roll every nine weeks and is a genious on the computer. He’s been installing software since he was 7!! Oh and did I tell you he is even GOOD LOOKING with the Zach/Cody haircut? He has girls fawning and gushing all over at school. He’s popular, intelligent, mature, confident and nice to everyone.
And you’re just jealous because I can cook and you can’t. That’s just one of my 100 culinary classics. Eat your heart out. Oops..was that a pun honey? And for any of you whiny wannabes, the hubby cannot get laid off because of what he does. I’m not able to disclose but trust me…it would take a criminal act on his part for that to happen.
Kendall
October 22nd, 2009
7:07 am
One last thought and I have no more to say. Just because we CHOSE to give up all those ridiculous high standard of living toys does not mean we can’t have them. It’s by choice and THAT is what is wrong with this country. We live in a greedy, materialistic society where a person is judged by their money, position and material possessions rather than their character. Let’s just say I DIDN’T have money and lived in an apartment, drove “beaters” and shopped Walmart because that was what my income allowed. So what? There are millions of people across the US living exactly like that. You girls need to get out of Atlanta..see the world..travel a bit! If more people lived like we CHOSE to do and get rid of all those costly goods, we would be a nation with less stress.
Kendall
October 22nd, 2009
7:17 am
One last thought on the subject and I’m done. We CHOSE to live this way after chasing the almight dollar as most of you are still doing. And let’s just say I DID only have the education and income to live in rentals, drive “beaters” and shop at Walmart. What is wrong with that? Millions of Americans across the US live by those standards. You ladies need to get out of Atlanta a bit…travel..see the world AS I HAVE DONE!! My family chose to live a richer life by enjoying simple things and having time and money for anything other than show-off toys and possessions. My life is very rich now. The problem with this country is not enough SAHMS developing their kids because no one is home or they’re sent to daycare. You girls all sound like selfish, greedy, jealous hypocrites. What’s funny is first you accused me of being a spoiled ITP Soccer mom, driving a suburban and DVR’s plugged into the headrest…then you accuse me of being a loser, renter, deadbeat. If more Americans were willing to live BELOW our means and put family first, there would be less stress and greed and better grounded kids overall.
Vork
October 22nd, 2009
7:39 am
@Kendall
Bitter much?
I would have read all your garbage but…it was clearly a waste of time.
Vork
October 22nd, 2009
7:40 am
@motherjanegoose
You really are just a pompous windbag aren’t you?
madmommy
October 22nd, 2009
9:21 am
Kendall,
I do have a college degree and loved every minute of earning it. The business world allows me to be me, a highly competive person who looks to set and reach goals for myself to better serve my family. If you were to see me interact with my child, you would see a loving mother who is intent on her childs well being and education. I see nothing wrong with teaching my daughter that she can have both a family and a career if she wants to. Everyone has to make the choices that are best for them and their family and me working is the best choice for me. I honestly don’t think I could stay home everyday and just and nor do I want to. I don’t think that makes me a bad parent or a worse mother. My daughter knows that I love her and the time we do spend together is productive, informative and interactive. If I didn’t have my own life and outside interests I don’t think I would be half the mother that I am.
OH and an FYI, I don’t have a house cleaner, I do it myself (What the orginal topic of this post was until it became the SAHM v. WM)
A new car, or an old Lexus at that. They are not cost effective when you do a cost analysis of vehicles that you are looking at.
I do live ITP and love it. I have hobbies as well, so you may as well hold that against me since that’s time taken away from my family as well. Heaven help me cause I have to workout everyday and what kind of mother teachers her child how to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle by working out daily and eating the right foods. Shame on me.
Oh, I also volunteer and hold a second job just as a way to give back. It’s ref’ing soccer and working with children, but I guess my daughter doesn’t need to see mommy in a mostly male sport holding her own. Guess it’s wrong for me to take time out to play a sport as well.
I’m sorry, but even though you say it, you just don’t seem happy to me. Don’t hate on other mothers who have worked things out for themselves and who might not do things just like you do, but who do have balance in their lives.
not saying
October 22nd, 2009
9:31 am
Kendall your son sounds like he will make some man a very happy person someday.
Becky
October 22nd, 2009
10:05 am
Wow, like MJG, I left work early yesterday and boy did the fighting start..Any Mom that has the chance to be a SAHM, that is a wonderful thing..If they don’t have that choice, others should lay off of them..Not sure which poster said it, but it’s not the amount of time, it’s the quality of the time..
@Hates Working, I work a full time job, blah, blah all of the other stuff..BUT I do make time for me..I cook most every meal that we eat..From scratch..I don’t do a lot of frozen meals..You can make time for you and your family..
Kendal..Honey, you need to take a Prozac..Gald that you can be a SAHM Mom..But if you have this same attitude with your husband and children, bless them..If your husband is raking in a six figure salary, then y’all shouldn’t be renting..You can pay a mortgage cheaper (most of the time) than you can rent..As I said earlier, I work a full time job, just go on field trips with the grandkids and cook good meals for them..
So, go to the Dr. and get your arm fixed from patting yourself on the back so much and drink nice strong Crown&7 and have a great day..
@Vork..Sorry about the long post…
FCM
October 22nd, 2009
10:33 am
Becky don’t take this the wrong way….but I luv ya!
Magenta
October 22nd, 2009
10:51 am
Glad those conflicted days are over for me (child is now grown). Working 40 hours a week was stressful (though not optional), but in the moments when I wondered what being a SAHM would be like, I realized that it consists of 3 major categories: Cooking, cleaning and sewing (at least the way I understood it). Well, guess what? I’m no good at any of these! I’d just as soon apply for work as a cop or high-rise window-washer in terms of my abilities. Fuhgeddaboudit! Office work is for me, any day of the week, and will be true up until my dying day. I hope not to retire until they take my driver’s license away from me.
We tend to go where we can succeed, so SAHM’s generally know that they are above-average in the domestic arts. We working moms feel that we have a handle on commuting 5 days a week, dealing with office politics, organizing, scheduling, making deals, completing projects, interacting with the public, and disciplining ourselves to partition off the different parts of our lives while we are on the clock. *Yes, of course SAHM’s still do most of those, but not in the same way.* [please read that last sentence a couple of times before getting on a soapbox about how multifaceted the SAHM's typical day is, please o please o please!]
Knowing we’re good at what we do (whatever it may be) conveys a message to our offspring. My mom stayed at home — she wasn’t good at the domestic stuff either, and was very bitter about it. When she did go back to work, she didn’t like that much, either. It’s very important that everyone, male or female, married, single, parent, etc., be able to engage in activities that bring out their talents. Not being able to do this just breeds dysfunction, and there are too many people in this world who don’t realize that’s their problem!
Becky
October 22nd, 2009
1:15 pm
@FCM..Thanks..Not taken the wrong way..
JJ
October 22nd, 2009
2:00 pm
My child is better off because I work outside the home. I have been a role model to her as to how to make it work. She has seen me get myself to work and her to school for 18 years. No I didn’t like having to put her in day care, but I didn’t have a choice. However, her being in daycare taught her how to survive in society and how to get alone with other people.
I am a single parent, and have raised this child, with the help of my wonderful family and tons of friends. Why should I sit around an empty house for 6-7 hours while she is at school? Together, we ran the house. As she got older, she helped out with the household chores.
I have raised a healthy, responsible, independant woman. Isn’t that what matters?
Another saying “100 years from now it will not matter what kind of car I drove, or how much money I had in the bank. What does matter is I was important in the life of a child”…..
JJ
October 22nd, 2009
3:47 pm
One more thing to Kendall……while you are home raising your child (and I’m happy you have a CHOICE), you might want to brush up on your skills, or take some classes. I say this because when your children leave your nest, you and hubby may NOT have anything in common and it will be VERY quiet at the dinner table (if he’s there).
OR something may happen to your wonderful hubby that forces you go enter the work world. You will need skills to get a decent job that pays enough for you and your family to live on. Being out of the work world for a few years, you may not have skills to work anywhere but McDonalds. MBA or not, you have lost YEARS in the work world……and in this economy – for every one job opening, 6 people are trying to get it.
I would step off that soapbox immediately. You never know what tomorrow may bring. You may have to slum with us working gals…….
Hunter of MILF
October 22nd, 2009
3:59 pm
Becky and FCM…..How ya doin?
Hunter of MILF
October 22nd, 2009
4:01 pm
Actually, Becky, JJ, and FCM….How ya doin?
I was hoping we could all have a foursome…..only not with golf clubs….;)
Becky
October 22nd, 2009
4:47 pm
Well, at least you have something to keep busy, don’t you?
Becky
October 22nd, 2009
4:47 pm
OOPs, should of said to keep you busy..
Hunter of MILF
October 22nd, 2009
9:23 pm
@Becky
You know it….never a dull moment when I’m around.
FCM
October 23rd, 2009
10:12 pm
20/20 tonight said that the women marching for equal rights in the 60s and the birth control pill are the two things that lead to women in the work force, and dumbing down of our children. Why? Women left the jobs they held previously (teachers and nurses) to go into the higher paying jobs.
As I said before thank you Steinheim and Sanger for the UNINTENDED consequences. I am deeply indebted to you for the intended ones. To be fair Steinheim was only carrying on the work of Stanton and Anthony and other women. However, it is certainly something to consider that instead of being bonded as women (as we would have been in previous eras) we feel a need to shout I made the right choice by declaring WFH or SAH the better way of life.
It should be CHOICE. There should be no shame on either side of the fence.
Gloria B
October 24th, 2009
4:28 pm
I’m a mother who works as an Admin Asst 45 plus hours a week. I’ve read some of the comments (madmommy) and I simply do not understand how you have the time and energy to do all these things unless you have a cush job, putting in less than 40 hours per week. I am at the office until 7:00-8:00pm at least once a week and those weeks where we have a big presentation? Count on working until 9:00 pm or later to make sure it’s all ready to go at 8:00 am the next morning. I work in sales and marketing and am bestowed the responsibilities of finding new wealthy clients who will “invest” in our product. I maintain the company’s website and upload forms, marketing materials and trouble shoot user problems for our online service to our customers. I put together elaborate materials for and organize trade shows, including the art-work, licensing, etc. I am expected to contribute marketing campaign ideas that will generate interest, some of which have been implemented. I perform cost analaysis of productivity of sales personnel to ensure sales goals are met and compile complicated flow charts using daily, quarterly, yearly measurements. Plus all the silly Admin garbage, catering, travel accomodations, office machine contracts/repairs, office supplies, coordinator of all functions/entertainment. Now. I have kids. I am completely exhausted after each and every day I come home with those above responsibilities. I do not have the energy to cook or spend very much quality time with my children. Either you women who work are lying or you have cush jobs. Because most of my working friends are in the same boat as me. Tired and overworked. And with the down-sizing of companies and exhaustive layoffs, that means more work to be spread around to the rest of us. I think you guys are totally lying and Kendall only hit a raw nerve. And I AM NOT BITTER. Just realistic!
Gloria B
October 24th, 2009
4:50 pm
And there isn’t one of us in my office that hasn’t said “the first thing I would do if I won the lottery is quit”. Oh happy day!
Dareigh Dawgs
October 24th, 2009
5:49 pm
No Gloria. It’s not that they have ‘cush’ jobs. They don’t have ‘real’ jobs. They probably work for daddy or maybe they have their own business. Making sandwiches, selling beads, fabrics, baskets and face paint. Nevertheless, none of these are ‘real’ jobs in corporate america where us gals are humpin’. I feel ya’ sis.
Sounds Healthy...
October 24th, 2009
6:36 pm
Thank god I’m not a kid at YOUR house! I hate PB&J. I’d starve!
Sounds Healthy...
October 24th, 2009
6:38 pm
Oh, and I’m sure you make your kids eat blande GRILLED chicken with NO sauce when you sit down at Macaroni Grill.
MILF
October 24th, 2009
6:41 pm
Yes. I’m a MILF. Are you available Hunter?
Jobs
October 25th, 2009
6:30 pm
jobs are everywheh fo women willin to sell out. let dem kids provide fo demselfs. you got to prove you a woman and don’t need no man. and when dem kids git home from school. aint’ nobody der. i know you be a proud workin mama! set dat example. be strawng! you takin care of yoself and yo kids!
Gloria B
October 25th, 2009
6:37 pm
FCM you may watch those documentaries but the real joke falls on those of us who are still victims of the women’s movement. I would wager that most working women fall in this category. Those who DO succeed? They make it hell for the rest of us because men still look at us as a joke.
Regina
October 25th, 2009
9:19 pm
Deirdre_NC,
Thanks for schooling kendall! She doesn’t have a clue what single moms go through, working and raising children alone. We have to do it all. And, by the way Kendall, my children eat a home-cooked meal every day. Some busy moms who work utilize crock pots and cooking on the weekend in preparation for the week ahead to ensure their family has a good meal. By the way, the delicious dinner you brag about so much was probably cooked by your chef.
In my kitchen, I have a sign which states the following:
“No job too big, No problem too small. Ms. Fix It.”
Do-it-herself shop
Home Repair
Renovation
Carpentry
Electrical
Plumbing
Painting
Decorating
Cleaning
Cooking
Mending
Shopping
Taxi Service
“We Never Sleep”
Kendall
October 25th, 2009
11:22 pm
Wow. I had no idea I would invoke so much rage. Regina. Enjoy that crock pot. And I’m oh so sure THAT sign is posted in your kitchen. Don’t preach to the choir girl. I WAS a full-time working mom and now I’m a stay at home mom. There is no way a working mom can be all these things. Give it up. Been there and done that. You girls have just got to stop pretending. It’s OKAY that you aren’t supermom. Nobody can be if you’re juggling career and family. Why am I the enemy? I’m just delivering the honest message. Working women get sooo defensive when challenged that they can’t be 100% in every area. Jesus Christ. How can you be? I couldn’t. And not ashamed to say it. It was hard. Now all you girls who say it’s a cake-walk? Really? Is it?
Barbara
October 26th, 2009
2:06 pm
Some things have moved forward but some not. Although some of you may have husbands who share the responsibilities at home, most households are still traditional in that area. We put in hours at the office and then come home to our second job while our husbands for the most part, get to relax. Sure they mow the lawn but that’s only seasonal. As winter sets in, all goes dormant. The household chores never end.
Hunter of MILF
October 27th, 2009
7:45 am
@MILF
Yes I’m available: Send me an Email: hunterofmoms@gmail.com
Regina
October 27th, 2009
2:01 pm
Kendall,
Actually I do all I stated. If I don’t, it doesn’t get done. And, yes, I am exhausted so I eat right, take my vitamins and calcium supplements, make each second count, and pray. When I play with the children, it is active play, so all of us can get exercise and have fun. I am not Supermom, I just decide what is important and what really needs to get done right away. Others things wait until the weekend.
You are not the enemy, just get off your pedestal and stop judging working moms. The purpose of the women’s rights movement was to give a woman choices without condemning the choice of other women.
Also, by the way, I come from a line of educated women of color. I am the fourth generation college graduate of that line. They attended college when it was extremely hard being a woman and being a woman of color. We were blessed to have land passed down but the women still worked to build on the foundation of the previous generation. They worked so future generations could have choices.
I believe you really don’t mean to be pompous…you are just not completely informed.
Kendall
October 27th, 2009
6:04 pm
Congrats Regina. I don’t mean to sound pompous and I can see you are the typical working mom with little to no time for relaxation. I was that same kind of working mom until my hubby landed a dream job that would allow me to raise my family without all that stress. Yes, we did opt to rent for now. My hubby took a job in another state and we were apart for an entire year while we tried to sell a house in the ATL real estate market a year ago. And the higher end homes take longer. In here, I have been judged first that I was a prima donna and then second some loser because I rent. I’d say I’m pretty smart to rent until the market corrects itself. Who would want to purchase in this market just to see their equity plummet another 10%? I already lost $60K in ATL. I am bi-racial so I applaud your accomplishments. Give it up girl.
Regina
October 28th, 2009
12:34 pm
Hi Kendall,
You are blessed to have a husband so you can stay at home. If I had the choice, I probably would too. However, I have to go earn the paycheck. My home equity has decreased significantly and with the unemployment rate increasing, I pray the company I work for stays viable. I apologize, I am also guilty of not being completely informed.
As I stated before, that is what the women’s movement was about…to embrace all choices and support each other’s choices. Blessings to you!