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Working Mothers

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Working Mothers
Working Mothers Carrie Grubb Axia College of University of Phoenix Working Mothers In previous generations, women had one role to accomplish; to care for their children. As mothers, women were required to play the role of June Cleaver. Mothers need to care for the children and keep the home in smooth working order. After many protests, women wanted to empower their equal rights, and become career women. Thanks to women’s perseverance, today women are able to work, and be just as qualified as men in their careers. Yet, there is still the debate over whether mothers should work, or be stay-at- home mothers. There are obvious disadvantages to children having a working mother, but there are not so obvious advantages. Working mothers tend to teach their children independence, curiosity, and ambition. While the disadvantages often come from society’s pressures that a working mother’s career may be more important than her family. How do mothers choose what works best for their family? Working mothers who choose to work outside the home offer advantages and disadvantages to their families. Working mothers have several advantages to their families. Mothers teach their children independence, curiosity, and ambition. The value of independence is taught from the mother’s own life and expecting her children to take on more responsibility themselves. Independence is often a challenge, but when successful, independence is an accomplishment. Curiosity comes from the children seeing that their mothers have value in society, and not how she drives the mini van around town. Curiosity also allows children to see their mother’s accomplishments beyond inside the home. Ambition comes from the gifts mothers give to their children about how to live their lives to the fullest potential. Ambition is contagious and children need a role model to encourage their dreams. Working mother’s additional advantage is providing additional income for their families. The extra money


References: BabyCenter. (2007). How much will daycare cost? Retrieved July 14, 2009, from http://www.BabyCenter.com Bailey, E. (2008). Working Moms Need Not Feel Guilty. Retrieved July 11, 2009 from http://www.Suite101.com Familyfacts.org. (n.d.). Who Should Care for Our Children? Retrieved July 14, 2009, from The Heritage Foundation Karaim, R. (2005). Working Mothers are Benefiting the Family. Retrieved July 11, 2009 from Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center via Gale PowerSearch Lowry, R. (2005). Working Mothers are Harming the Family. Retrieved July 11, 2009 from Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center via Gale PowerSearch Pew Research Center (2007), A Social and Demographic Trends Report. Retrieved July 11, 2009 from Pew Research Center U.S. Census Bureau. (2008). Household Income. Retrieved July 14, 2009, from US Census Bureau United States Department of Labor (2008). Employment of Characteristics of Families Summary

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