Mom's freedom of choice

Why is being a stay-at-home mother a compromise of one’s identity? The whole point of the feminist movement is to provide the freedom to choose. Could it be that women feel that in order to be respected and not looked down upon, they must leave their homes and enter the workforce?

If a person decides to stay home and provide a place of comfort, cooking, cleaning and catering to the needs of her family, then there is nothing wrong with that. If a woman finds it best that she go out into the world and provide alongside her husband, then that is also fine.

Because an individual stays at home and is at the beck and call of her children does not mean she is “throwing away personal ambitions.” Believe it or not, some women are happy with that.

Some people have the twisted idea that all a stay-at-home mother does is attend to the every need of her loved ones, but in many cases this is only a part of her job. She oftentimes manages the family money and ensures that all the bills are paid.

The idea that mothers should not feel pressured to fall victim to society is difficult from either point. Often women feel that they have to go to work if they want to have a viable place in America. If a female wants to be heard, then it is not good enough to ensure that her children never want for her attention. 

Then there is the opposing side that says if a person loves her children, she will stay at home with them and give them the best upbringing possible, that leaving the house is the worst thing a mother could do to her children.

There is no problem with a woman choosing either side as long as it is her choice. Being a working mom doesn’t automatically suggest that a person is setting the best example for her children. If one works but neglects the needs of her family, then what good is she?

On that same note, if a mother allows her identity to be consumed by providing only for the emotional support and comfort for her children, she too is being unproductive in her duty as a mother.

It is important that all women, whether stay-at-home mothers or working moms, have some form of education so in the event they are demanded by the twists and turns in life, they can provide for their families.

It is equally necessary that women have an identity that is separate from that of their families so it is possible to maintain a sense of being.

Out-of-the-home work doesn’t have to be a paid job in order to contribute to setting a good example for one’s family. Volunteer work, public service and other heart-felt gestures which aid in making this country better is just as meaningful as a nine-to-five.     

Overall, women need to understand that no matter what side of the fence they are on, it is a must that they stand united in a woman’s right to choose and stop belittling each other for their choice. In the end, the right to decide is all that we have.