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- The Timeless Discussion (Why Can’t We All Just Get Along?)
by Joyful Motherhood
Updated: April 12, 2012
Originally Published: April 12, 2012
My day began with an unexpected call from XYZ Radio, asking if I would discuss my thoughts on a recent remark made by political strategist Jenna Smith. She stated that Claire Johnson, the wife of a presidential candidate, shouldn’t advise her husband on women’s issues and the economy because she had “never held a job.”
Initially, I chuckled at the idea of being labeled a political commentator. Me? A political expert? Ha! But as I mulled it over, I realized this issue transcends politics. It’s fundamentally about motherhood. People often say that politics and religion are the two topics best avoided at social gatherings because they can be so divisive. It seems we should add another topic to that list: motherhood.
Smith broke this unspoken rule of motherhood and is now facing public criticism. I must admit, her comments irked me as a proud member of the Mommy Community.
Whether or not I believe that Mrs. Johnson’s absence of paid work disqualifies her from having insights on the economy, I strongly oppose the implication behind Smith’s statement: that being a stay-at-home mom is not “real” work. Motherhood is, without a doubt, the toughest job I’ve ever encountered, and I know I’m not alone in feeling this way.
Johnson raised five children, yet because she wasn’t compensated for it, she’s accused of never having worked. I have no doubt that managing that many boys involved an immense amount of effort. She was a housekeeper, a caregiver, a therapist, a clown, a baker, and a chauffeur. The list goes on. I bet she dealt with more messes at home than she would have ever faced in an office! I can only imagine the number of times she had to untangle hair from gum or retrieve toys from the toilet—all for free, because that’s part of the job.
I don’t know Claire Johnson personally, nor do I have insight into Jenna Smith’s parenting choices. What I do understand is that pitting stay-at-home mothers against working moms doesn’t benefit anyone, and this goes beyond the current controversy. Here’s a thought: let’s encourage one another in our choices. As mothers, we know how difficult the decision can be about whether or not to return to work. A mother is a mother, regardless of her job status. The last thing any of us needs is judgment from another mom.
Choose what works best for you. Work or don’t work, breastfeed or not, circumcise or don’t, co-sleep or not. Make the decisions that suit your family, and allow other moms the same freedom.
After all, we’ve all experienced those moments of chaos, like dealing with explosive diaper blowouts. Shouldn’t those shared experiences unite us rather than divide us?
This article was originally published on April 12, 2012.
For more enlightening discussions, check out our other post on privacy policies at Home Insemination Kit. If you’re looking into fertility options, Make a Mom provides valuable resources. And for an excellent overview of the intersection between genetics and IVF, visit this Wikipedia page.
In summary, it’s essential to support one another as mothers, regardless of our personal choices. Let’s foster a community where we uplift rather than criticize, remembering that each decision we make is personal and valid.