I'm a Working Mom

There is one thing I've stayed completely away from in this blog: politics. I'd like to continue to do so. However, there has been a little bit in the news lately about working mothers thanks to a certain presidential candidate.

Bottom line, there were two major views quoted from a book he wrote many years ago. My paraphrasing:

1. Providing things for your children is just a convenient excuse for pursuing a gratifying career outside the home

2. Working moms who want to work have been brainwashed by Radical Feminists

Regardless of whether this particular candidate truly believes these things, I am fairly certain there are many people out there who don't understand working moms. Of course all of this caused me to reflect on my reasoning for being a working mom. But first I'm going to quickly say what I think about the views stated above:

1. This is the dumbest thing I've ever heard. First, I know many working mothers who would love to stay at home but it isn't financially feasible. They aren't making excuses, it's just reality. And what about single moms? How on earth can they support their family without working?

2. Ah, here we go. I'm actually one of those working moms who want to work. Gasp!! Clearly I've been brainwashed.

Okay, moving on...

Here's why I am not only okay with being a working mom, but I actually prefer it.

I LOVE my son. If you know me, you know this is a fact. Jason and Brody are my whole world and I will do anything to make them happy and thrive. I do actually believe that working outside the home is better for Brody.

Brody goes to a GREAT daycare. Do I disagree with what they do from time to time? Sure. Does he learn a ton more than I could ever teach him? Most definitely. After turning 1 he quickly started coming home with paint on his shirts. After I got over how messy he looked, it clicked...wait? 1-year- olds can paint?? Ha! I would have never given him this learning opportunity so early. Who would have thought that sensory tables were great for babies and toddlers? I would have never thought to do that at home, too messy! I'll counter-argue this and say that if I stayed home with Brody I would likely educate myself much better and do everything I could to teach him all that he learns at daycare. But, it's not natural for me, and I'm so happy he gets the opportunity to do so many different things.

I'm happier. I love my job (most days), it makes me feel good to do something I'm good at. I like the interaction with my co-workers and I like the opportunity for advancement. I've moved up several times in my career and I love it every time. This may make me selfish, but I'd rather Brody have a happy mommy than a cranky mommy.

I like providing for my family. The careers Jason and I have established allow us to do a lot of things over the last 5 1/2 years. I like that we can do that. If we weren't both working, we could make many easy choices to make it work, but I like it that when we aren't working we can do so many things we love (like travel) without having to think twice. Brody has been able to experience a lot in two short years and we hope to keep providing this for him.

The biggest reason it works for us?

Jason.

Hands-down. I couldn't have the career I have without him. He picks up Brody most nights at a much earlier hour than I would be able to. He makes dinner every.single.night. He's awesome. And a much better cook than me! He's also an amazing father. And at the end of the day, he supports me in everything I do.

Another thing, I love that we don't fit the traditional family stereotypes. From day one Jason was as much involved in caring for and raising Brody as I was. It's not a duty that only falls on mothers anymore. Maybe men are getting screwed in this modern approach to parenting (like actually having to get up in the middle of the night or change gross diapers). But I'd like to think that by doing my share financially, I've also reduced the burden that husbands typically feel. We provide for our family together just as we care for our family together.

If I'm being honest (and luckily Jason doesn't read this blog very often), there are many days where he does more than I do. Some of that is because I work longer (so I have less hours at home), and some of it is because he's super awesome. But there's one thing we've never done in our marriage. We don't keep score. It all evens out over time.