Okay, the other night at a gathering with some other mothers, we got into a conversation about working mothers vs. stay at home mothers. (It did not get heated, but I think that this type of conversation could very easily.) I have ran that conversation over and over in my head and finally have come up with what I think is the answer. BUT.....I want to get everyone else's opinion on this matter BEFORE I tell you mine. Without wasting any more time, here is the question:
IS IT MORE WORK (ie: HOUSEHOLD-WISE) FOR A LADY THAT STAYS AT HOME ALL DAY WITH HER KIDS, OR SOMEONE WHO GOES TO WORK OUTSIDE OF THE HOME FOR NINE HOURS A DAY?
Here are a few more details that I had picked up from the conversation. The gals that go to work either have their kids in school or an out of home daycare. The stay at home mothers have at least two kids at home with them. So, answer with the assumption that the amount of children involved is the same either way. AND.....answer even if you do not have kids. Can't wait to see everyone's thoughts.
1 week ago
5 comments:
I deleted my first comment cause it ended up like novel-length. Let me try again:)
Having been a single working woman, a married working woman, a working mother (although only for a month) and a SAHM, I'd have to say that: it depends:) HAHA - cop-out, I know. I think that it depends what you do for a job -- I was a special ed. teacher, which wasn't really physically taxing, but extrememly mentally/emotionally taxing. Staying at home with my own kids is probably less stressful than teaching since I have more control over more factors (& my kids have not manifested any special ed tendencies...), but I have much more emotionally invested in my own kids than I ever did with my students. However,my job now is 24-7.
As far as housework goes,I think the SAHM moms have it worse, just because there are people physically in the house more during the day. A working mom doesnt' have as many meals to prepare in their own home, their kids play/mess things up elsewhere all day, etc. - so my vote is that while working moms may have more stuff piled up to do because they have less time to do it, SAHMs have more to keep on top of at their own homes.
You were asking about housework, right? Or just whose job is harder in general??
Either way, no matter what a person does for a job, I think that caring for your own children is the more REWARDING job. But I think only people who have been in both situations can truly understand that.
Thanks, I'm still waiting for two more that are regular readers and then I will tell you my position. I was expecting a long response from some.
I've thought a lot about it. I think stay at home moms have the hardest but yet most rewarding job. It's constant 24/7 care 365 days a year and that's true dedication. There is no way I could do my job 24/7 for 365 days a year as I'd be totally burned out. I think it is wonderful for the children if a parent can stay home with them. I realize it is a lot of work because you're not just taking care of the children and keeping them busy. You are also doing household chores, errands, meals,etc, etc. Plus when they are sick it is even more work!! If I ever have the opportunity to have an infant in my home I will stay home even though I know it is a lot of work. I can't wait to read what other write!
i feel that the stay at home mom has the more difficult, stressful, and taxing job. i am sure that it is more rewarding, and fulfilling to rais your own children.(see their first steps, hear their first words) but what the heck do i know, i don't stay home. i oppress my wife by asking her to raise our kids.
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