A Mother’s response to High-power Businesswoman

I struggle with how to frame this experience. I don’t know if our culture has so lost it that people won’t even understand. Some will surely rail at me with their own excuses. I have a blog, however, to discuss my own thoughts, opinions, and experiences. That said, I recently got some sad insight on the thought processes of how a mother justifies leaving her small children in the care of others so they can seek a third income for their 4-person family.

Departing from a business dinner to which I accompanied my husband, I engaged in conversation the sleek female financial whiz who had so adeptly held forth about the investments of the gathered capitalist group. I mentioned how knowledgeable she was, and how well she explained complicated financial products. “One last question,” I said. “With such a high-powered career, how do you juggle a family, two children, a husband, a home?”

I just wanted to hear what she would say. She responded, “I am passionate about my job. I teach my children that everybody has to work.” Somewhat dumbfounded and surprised at how like a communist that sounded, and not about to wade in, I murmured, smiled, and got my coat on. During the social part of the evening, she had shared with the group that her husband had two excellent high-end jobs. So where is the ‘having to work’?

By the way. I ‘work’. In my home. I am passionate about it. Somehow, I manage without the fancy income, high-end job, without any tax benefits (you only get that if you use child care). I am honest with my children about why I work – in the home. So I can raise my own children.

She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her

from Proverbs 31

Just saying.