Posted on 08/05/2008 7:17:25 AM PDT by rightwingintelligentsia
Thank you for pointing this out. I know that as a teacher it was hard to find Moms who didn’t work to assist with things like room mothers etc. It’s hard to work all day and then get very excited about pitching in for the various volunteer things.
susie
We'd have to discuss it. Before kids, there's no reason for her not to work. After kids, we'd have to look at the numbers and figure out what is best for the family as a whole.
That’s my favorite thing about taking care of a home. Barring when you have very small children, who seem to suck up all of your time, you can do it at your own pace, decide what takes priority, take a day off when you need one, etc. Of course, when the kids were small I never got a sick day (morning sickness when you have 2 small children is the best method of birth control there is—that is if you remember it after the baby is born!)
susie
Wow—if all divorced parents would likewise put the kids first like you did, it would be a better world!
susie
Nothing more important or harder working than a mom.
By “we” I’m assuming she would have an equal say? And, if you thought the numbers didn’t make sense but she did, who gets the deciding vote? ;)
susie
I think the reactions of many here would be the total opposite. We'd be hearing about how this lazy bum should go out and get a job and what a loser he is for making his wife work while he sits at home and "putters" around.
To each their own but without children, there really isn't all that much to do around the house. My wife and I both work (our kids are about grown up) and other than cooking and laundry, we might spend maybe two hours a week of working around the house doing other chores. In this modern, automated society, there just isn't that much to do around the house. SO this husband is basically subsidizing a life of leisure for his wife. It's their lives and their choice but let's call it what it is.
Now if there were children at home, that's a totally different story. Full time mothering (or fathering) is hard work and in no way a life of leisure!
...and you call yourself a lady of leisure. Hmph!
Colonel, USAFR
Well, I’m going to run out and buy some bon bons! (actually, after the vacation I just took, I’m determined to be bonbonless for quite some time!)
susie
I had the advantage of making a good income, so the money was not as big an issue as it is for some.
Still it IS a sacrifice, but for all concerned, the only way to go.
The family is FUNDAMENTAL. We will not survive as a culture without it as the centerpiece of our societal fabric.
You have a “great family and great kids”. Then, you sir have it all, and are blessed. Like me.
Oh, and thank you for your service to our country.
The house? You mean your house, right? My house is a much more productive place. Plenty to do!
I think the reactions of many here would be the total opposite.
Yes, of course. Not everyone buys the silly notion that men and women are completely interchangeable in all spheres.
...without making changes to your chosen lifestyle. In that there is truth. One thing kids will make both of you do, however, is take a long, hard look at your priorities. Do you really need x number of cars? Do you really need to live where you do? Do you need the boat, cottage, annual trips to the Keys or Traverse City? I'm not suggesting that you have any of these things, but most couples are amazed by just how much they can happily do without if it means getting to do what they want--have a parent home with the kids. The question you'll both have to decide, really, is how much you want that.
If it turns out you do, believe me--you can do it. I am constantly amazed by my fellow freeping families when we discuss the changes made to our lifestyles when we reprioritize. This forum can be a crash course in home economics. Very handy.
Welcome to Free Republic!
Being busy is of course a subjective thing. There are people in my workplace who get stressed with the workload it might take somebody else a couple of hours a day to keep up with.
I am sure if you are ever laid up you will understand that your wife is too occupied with worthwhile labor for such leisurely activities as would constitute taking care of you.
Yes, “early retirement.” In my case, no husband and no kids so “retiring” early is all on me — and my dog enjoys having me around more hours in the day!
Seriously, when I left my last job I felt I would no longer be part of the full-time work force. The stresses were horrid, and I worked in the legal field — yecchh!
My physician, a female my age, told me if I did not HAVE to work, then I should not. Believe me, I am never bored — and I am as busy as I was when employed. Perhaps I will take some part-time job or volunteer before I get too old, but now I see how great it is to “stay home” and just take care of things around the house.
I grew up an only child with a mother who never worked one day outside the home after she got married — real Leave it to Beaver stuff — and it was very nice indeed. That was the fifties/sixties and few of the moms in the neighborhood “worked.” I can’t tell you how healthy I think this is for the families who can afford it.
Actually more can afford it than one would think; it might mean fewer big screen TVs, cheaper vacations, more bargain hunting, etc., but I’d say it’s worth it.
A male friend of mine, same age group, has a stay-at-home wife (kids grown and gone) and he loves having her home as he feels things are in great shape at home and errands get done, etc. Everyone is happier.
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