Quote From: kschmittz"Why is this your issue? Seriously, why does it bother you so much? You seem to have a need to be assured that SAHMs get that they are "lucky" to be home with their kids and that they are doing as good of a job as you believe you would do in the same situation. If I decide to take a break while my kids nap, why does that bother you? It wouldn't bother me if you ran an errand or even got a manicure before you got your kids from daycare...."
It's my "issue" because that same at home Mom who does nothing with her kids, for her hubby or for the house is considered the greatest parent ever because she's "at home" and not using daycare. Also, that same Mom will and does judge me...I've had it happen too many times to count. You can say all you want it doesn't happen but it does and yes, it hurts. I think it's really easy to look at any situation and think the other person has it made. As for offering me a kind ear...don't think that would EVER happen! The minute I mention daycare/working no one has anything nice to say. Look at these boards, Julie...who here has said anything positive or supportive to me other than you? I have said over and over how I don't think I'd have the patience to stay home or that I think it is really tough. Has even one person talked about what my day can be like? I don't need pity either but I get tired of hearing over and over about the poor, tired, lonely at home Mom who sacrifices all things for her kids (Purple) or how every minute of every day is just perfect no matter what gets done (jetta) or about every minute of every day is consumed by their kids and they are never ever away from Mommy or other family (Texas) . I work out of financial necessity, pure and simple. We don't live extravagantly (as others think) yet we do have what we need and a little extra. Even if I "sacrificed' the little extra we do have I coudn't stay home. All in all, yes, I am judged for using daycare and it does bother me. Just like the supposed "insults" I put out there against at home Moms bother you- the fact that we do or don't act that way is not the issue. Like I've said over and over, it would be nice to think being a good Mom is more than whether or not one uses daycare. It just seems that at home Moms all want to have the saddest story to tell...as if that makes them a better Mom. Who can make better cookies, who cooks more and who does what on less money...no thanks.
As far as these boards go, the Wife styles shows were based on two SAHMs, that's why the conversation has revolved around that. When people defend a SAHM (especially in the context of these shows) they are not necessarily talking against working Moms. It doesn't need to be a competition.
All in all, yes, I am judged for using daycare and it does bother me. Just like the supposed "insults" I put out there against at home Moms bother you- the fact that we do or don't act that way is not the issue.
I'm sorry if you have felt judged. I know Penny had made one hurtful comment (as a result of a working Mom dissing her) and she has apologized in every possible way. Any other comment that has offended you has either not really been about you or in answer to you insulting and questioning SAHMs. It's become a silly snowball fight that nobody wants to play anymore, but nobody wants to be the last one knocked in the head either. Don't you think it is time for the grown-ups to call a truce??
I have seen the other posters on other boards, and I'm pretty certain they would be willing to start fresh and laugh over this. Some insults are VERY unintentional and you simply need to explain why some things are a sensitive point rather than getting down in the mud with those who you feel have offended you. Seriously, you have made comments about SAHMs that I have found to be insensitive, but I am assuming you did it out of ignorance. If you have never been an adult who is dependent on someone else's income, you probably wouldn't get why any insinuation that we are getting a "free ride" can be hurtful. People have done that to me over and over....my husband works hard and I am "lucky". And they don't mean to be hurtful, they just don't get that it makes me feel less than an adult, less than a partner in my marriage.
If it makes you feel any better, the same SAHMs who judge you probably judge and compete with each other. There is, unfortunately, an incredible one-upsmanship to Mommyhood. Can't those of us with a sense of humor, a little self-esteem, and more than four brain cells simply rise above it?