The Glass Ceiling

The role of women in American society has been a topic of interest for decades. With continual changes in the general attitude toward women's place in the home and work it is easy to see how women still face challenges in figuring out how to balance the different aspects of womanhood.

I often wonder what people think when they see moms out during the day with their young kids – at the park, store, or wherever. What is the general societal attitude toward the stay at home mom? It’s occurred to me since I’ve become a work at home mom that there is little to no respect for the women who stay at home and raise their children. Even myself, starting my business, working my butt off day in and day out all the while raising two children gets little credit in the eyes of others.

It occurred to me this week while I was at Starbucks with a girlfriend that some of the most educated, intelligent women I know are stay at home moms. You might see them out at the grocery store, wiping snotty noses, or changing poopy diapers – but they are educated women, perhaps with degrees from top universities – yet here they are wiping butts in their spare time.

The most common challenge that myself and fellow moms face is the balance between the work and home, a choice that men are never forced to make. While a man can pick and keep his career, women are expected to support the home and somehow squeeze themselves into the mix. Every mom I know searches for ways to express herself, make her own money, and follow her own path – all the while trying to run a home and bond with her children, feeling torn the entire time.

It is an uphill battle - I climb it every day. But as a true ‘dreamer’ I refuse to believe that anything is impossible. I live every day trying to prove that one can be a successful business woman and a great mom. Why should I have to choose? Why should I have to stop dreaming and give up on success?

I for one will never look at a mom the same way again. Next time you see a mom carrying a screaming kid, or wiping a snotty nose, remember that she may be one of the most educated, intelligent women you’ll never meet – who is making a huge sacrifice to be with her children.

I guess being a mom really does teach me new things every day.

That’s all for now – back to being Supermom.

-AM