Topic : 12/28 Wifestyles

We don't get off work, but it's a choice we make. 

We can go out in the workplace and decide on the perfect job, but we didn't. 

I'm not "perfect", but I work really hard at what I do.  I wouldn't expect anything less from my husband either. 

Diana (from the show) 

That's great that your traditional views have worked out so well for you. As long as you are happy and fulfilled with that then that's really all that matters. However, not everyone shares your traditional views, not everyone is happy and fulfilled with staying at home. To me, the most important thing for a child is to have a mom who is happy and who feels self-worth and satisfaction in her life. Obviously, you get this from staying at home with your kids and that is wonderful. However, if I mom is unhappy staying at home then she won't be able to really care for her kids the way that they deserve. Plus, not everyone makes the decision to have kids. All three of my boys were unplanned, but I don't love them any less than any other mother. Right now my kids are in daycare from 8am-5pm because I work and go to school. This isn't my personal decision, but, I'm in the middle of a divorce from their father who chooses not to put their best interests first. Therefore, I have to do whatever I can to make sure they are provided for. It breaks my heart that my boys spend all day with someone else, however, this doesn't mean that their caregiver is 'raising' them, I am their mother, no one else, and they know that.  

As far as Bill's child support comment goes I don't think he was at all referring to the importance of keeping the family together. I think he was making a harsh judgement in order to upset the original poster. 

This topic reminds me of the old Family Living books you would get in high school trying to teach a girl what is expected from a woman as a mother and a wife. Wow, I thought that was a life sentence,and there was no way I was going there. I've been married for 20 yrs. Am I a good Wife? How about; am I a good partner . You bet I am, cuz I have a good partner. 

Right, and I was a single mom with 2 kids before I met my husband, and while I don't really advocate divorce, I was in a relationship that warranted it, too. 

I actually quit my job as a police dispatcher and took a job running a summer camp so I could take my kids to work with me.  I lived with my mom, so they had at least a realtive home with them when I had to work and couldn't take them.  

I believe in sacrificing for your kids, and I understand that there are some situations where you have to do what you have to do.  I would ignore Bill.  I think maybe that was made up to get women fuming.  I don't see him responding to any posts.... 

PS I also firmy believe there is a different midset between women who HAVE to work and women who CHOOSE to work. 

I'm thinking the same thing about Bill. I put in my reply to him that I thought was just posting to upset people. I hope everyone stops replying to this guy since it's obvious that all he wants is attention. 

The fact that you were able to find a wonderful husband after your first marriage is a great encouragement to me.  

I wish I could leave my boys with a relative, but my mom still works and my ex-inlaws live two-hours away :o(  However, I do know their preschool/daycare teachers very well and have known them for a long time, so that helps out a lot. I couldn't imagine just dropping them off with someone who I didn't know at all.  

I guess I could conisder moving back in with my parents so that I could cut back on expenses, but, then  I would go completly insane and end up being institutionalized receiving shock treatments, so, that might not be great for my kids LOL ;o) My mother drives me mad....lol