How do you feel about the statement “I want to stay at home with my kids because I don’t want to work” ?
When I heard someone say it, I’ll admit it struck me as a little odd and a bit insulting. As the old saying goes, sometimes it’ not what you say…
“I want to stay at home with my kids because I think it’s the right thing to do” - OK
“I want to stay at home with my kids because I feel it’s God’s calling for me”- OK
“I want to stay at home with my kids because I don’t believe in daycare”- OK
But to say “I want to stay at home with my kids because I don’t want to work” is a big slap in the face.
The first slap is obvious- it makes it seem as if stay at home moms don’t work at all. It breathes life into the stereotype that stay at home moms do nothing all day but shop, eat chocolate, and occasionally wipe down a few counters.
Also, it makes the person who said it sound extremely lazy, and in turn, everyone else who is a stay at home mom has to take the brunt of it. This is slap number two because women can’t choose to stay at home because they think it’s the best thing for their family, no, these women must be lazy and not want to earn their own keep.
Oh, and don’t dare let it be a dad who stays at home, slap number three. My goodness the criticism he’ll get.
In my opinion society should value having a parent at home instead of seeing it as a cop out for people (women especially) who don’t want to work . But certain comments don’t help that cause.
Don’t believe me? Google “stay at home moms are lazy.”
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