Are You “Just” a Mom?
Have you ever heard a woman say she was “just a Mom?” I not only hear it, but see it all the time all over the blogosphere. I can’t count the number of times I’ve stumbled across a beautifully designed, well written site, and clicked to read more about the author of this wonderful work, only to read her words… “I’m just a Mom.”
Really?
Do you ever hear anyone say the following?
I’m just a doctor.
I’m just a teacher.
I’m just a salesperson.
Of course not. So why are we “just” Moms? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting that Moms start calling themselves ‘Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.’
But I am suggesting that putting “just” in front of any title – be it doctor, lawyer, or mother – diminishes the worth of that person. God knows we Moms struggle enough – we don’t need to make it any harder on ourselves!
There are some really inspiring books out there about Motherhood. Some of my favorites are “Birth of a Mother” by Dr. Daniel N. Stern, M.D. and “The Price of Motherhood” by Ann Crittenden. In those books you’ll find so much food for thought and reflection that maybe, just maybe, you’ll never say “just” again.
Can you tell I’m still on a Mother’s Day high?
That’s just how we Moms are.
— Lynn
Copyright 2008 OrganicMania
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Made me think of this:
http://svmomblog.typepad.com/dc_metro_moms/2008/05/not-just-a-mom.html
No one is “just” anything…
Exactly! — Lynn
I have a vivid recollection of a party my parents once threw for a large group of my mother’s co-workers. I remember talking to the wife of one employee and asking what she did. She blushed and said, “Oh, I just stay at home.”
I was 20 at the time and in my gung ho, headed-to-law-school disposition, had some strong feelings about women who chose to forego a career for family (boy, has that changed now that I’m a stay-at-home mom, LOL!). Despite my mindset, however, I remember at that moment feeling for this woman who apparently had so little self-esteem as to not take pride in what she did.
I have thought of that woman often over the years and when I’m feeling a loss of identity over having walked away from my legal career to stay at home, I think of her and remind myself that I am doing one of the most important jobs in the world. At least my children and husband think so, and frankly, that’s what matters most to me.
Kristen, thanks so much for sharing this story! And as for Moms, if it makes you happy, it’s likely the right decision! You must read those books if you haven’t already! — Lynn
So thank you for the reminder!