More thoughts on the prior post and feminism in general.

Because the thing that continues to upset me is that there isn’t much mention of women who stay at home.  The emphasis is on women and careers…but not embracing the women and particularly children.  Women at home are particularly vulnerable…and in need of support.  Note that I don’t say they need protection, as in overbearing control–but rather, support for whatever decision they make.

As I get older, I realize more than ever how much it meant to stay at home…even though at times it nearly drove me crazy…because it was so isolating.  Women who stay at home need to be connected without being smothered…is that a possibility?   They also need financial support in the way of Social Security in their own names and accounts.  This would ensure her being taken care of in old age and a small price to pay for giving kids the best start in life.

I mean, if this country values kids, giving them that special time to grow up in a place where they’re not treated like a number, not held to a rigid schedule (yes, I know some households are kept on a schedule–mine wasn’t– other than mealtimes, bedtimes, that sort of thing.).  Being un-scheduled allows one to just let the mind run free–openly explore, and clear the mind for new ideas.  I look at daycare centers as making kids feel like a number.  And feeling rushed in life.  I can’t see a kid being able to ride a bike down the lane when at daycare five days a week.  They get little time after they get home on weeknights (none in the winter for any outside activity).  And by that time, the creativity and spontaneity is dulled…if not completely gone.

I’ve just seen such a dramatic change with my generation’s working mothers that it can’t be denied how important it is for someone–be it mother or father–to stay home and allow kids their childhoods.  I know that is difficult with the stagnant wages and for single Moms…but there again, we should be supporting them with livable wages and a support system so that the kids could be at home.

Just airing my thoughts…