Stay At Home Moms Dangerous?

Yes, I am a stay at home (aff) mom. My husband and I chose this for many reasons. First, daycare is expensive here in Chicago. I would be working to pay for daycare. Second, my salary would put us in the next tax bracket. We would be taxed more if I went to work. We also decided that we wanted one of us raising our kids — not a daycare worker. Yes, I have a college degree. However, I will still have that degree once my kids are in school. I do not look down upon people who put their kids in daycare. However, I don't get what gives others the right to do it to me. What really gets me going is that the feminist movement considers my choice dangerous. Why?

According to Gretchen Ritter, stay at home (aff) moms are “dangerous subversives and a plague on society.” Who is Gretchen Ritter? She is the director of the Center for Women's and Gender Studies at the University of Texas and as associate professor of government and women's studies. She also states that staying at home with my children denies their father a chance to be involved, I lose a chance to contribute as a professional and community activist, it teaches my children that the world is divided by gender, it stresses children out, it victimizes women who work, and it makes it tougher for families with two working parents because schools and libraries will neglect their needs. “Full-time mothering is … bad for children,” she insists. “… the stay-at-home mother movement is bad for society,” she states.

Of course, she has no evidence to support these claims. The part that really kills me is that she is college professor who is teaching this to young women. Society already puts enough pressure on us, why must we do it to one another? I would love to know how my choice denies my kid's father to be in their life? One of us has to work. If we both worked, then neither one of us would be there. I don't understand how I can't be a community activist. If you think about it, I would have more time for activities like this. As for the world being divided by gender, unfortunately, it is. My question back to her is what about daycare workers? They are primarily female. I would think daycare would stress out your children more than keeping them at home. Lastly, why is my problem that 2 (aff) working parent families can't get free daycare from the schools and library? That's what I read into that last statement.

I guess I don't get how being a stay at home mom makes me any less of a women or any less of a feminist. I thought the feminist movement was about choices. Well, what happened to my choice to stay at home?

Lisa Martin

In April 2006, Lisa began blogging to stay connected with distant relatives and friends. As she delved into blogging, she discovered the potential to assist others by sharing her experiences. Lisa has actively engaged in numerous exclusive media ventures. Notable among these are her participation in events such as the Sony Mommy Bloggers Event, the Pampers Mommy Bloggers Event, the Epson Event in Chicago, the Stouffers Event, a memorable yacht excursion with Lands End, collaborations with 1-800-Baskets, an exclusive tour for bloggers by Mrs. Prindable’s, partnerships with Hallmark, PopCap games, Chicago Cubs Mastercard Priceless Events, and Rug Doctor. In addition, she has collaborated with Nutrisystem on a weight loss initiative, teamed up with Buick and Chevy, and served as a brand ambassador for Sprint. Lisa's collaboration portfolio also extends to Disney, where she has participated in press trips for significant movies such as Frozen, Guardians of the Galaxy, McFarland USA, The Good Dinosaur, The BFG, and Cars 3. Notably, for projects like Frozen, The BFG, and Cars 3, she was granted the privilege of walking the red carpet and conducting interviews with celebrities. The impact of Lisa's blog has gained recognition, with The New York Times referencing her content. Moreover, she has been featured in interviews by respected publications such as the Southtown Star, The Chicago Sun Times, and inside.
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