Have you seen this episode of The Donna Reed Show?
I must admit that I often sympathize with Donna’s frustration about being thought of as “just a housewife”. I can tell myself that it’s an important job and a high calling and oftentimes I am even convinced. But the truth of the matter is that society’s lack of respect for women who don’t work outside the home is a bit wearing at times.
Why, oh why is the first question out of a new acquaintance’s mouth so often, “What do you do?”. It was so easy to answer back when I was a nurse. After I gave up my career to homeschool our children I still often threw in something about how I used to be a nurse when I got this question. But even just saying I was homeschooling my kids seemed to be an adequate response. There would be a solemn nodding of the head as they no doubt envisioned a classroom atmosphere in my home with me spending six hours a day teaching. Which couldn’t have been further from the truth but they didn’t need to know that.
My kids are now grown and I’m still at home. I’m grateful every morning that I don’t have to leave my house to go to a job. I know how fortunate I am and don’t ever take that for granted. I just wish people’s eyes wouldn’t glaze over when I tell them I don’t work outside the home.
I totally understand the feeling!
The other side of it for me at the moment is hanging out with a bunch of new friends (all working in the technology industry) and enjoying saying "I'm the housewife" after they've all mentioned what they do
And what do they say? 🙂
I was at a conference recently where a woman on a panel discussion with female farmers said she started feeling guilty about wanting to spend time with her children, doing housework, etc. rather than being outside, working on the tractor, especially in light of the women's studies courses she took in college. At one point she realized, "I'm a post-feminist woman" and it's ok to be a housewife.:)
I absolutely believe it's okay to choose whatever path works for me and my family. Sometimes I wish my path were more respected, however.
Uhmmm great brains Deanna. I'll be linking to this in my next Coffee Chat post which is in progress and contains a bit of this same thought!
I'm behind on blog reading but I'll be sure to look for your post.