"Momma Drama"
I’ve been fascinated by the media drama that resulted from Democratic strategist Hilary Rosen’s comment that Ann Romney “never worked a day in her life.” While I don’t condone the personal attack on Ann Romney or think that stay at home “Lululemon” moms do nothing, I have a strong opinion on this as someone who was raised by a very hardworking mom. This and a recent conversation I had on parents who really steer the path of their children’s lives early on (getting them into the top pre-schools, etc.), got me thinking…does the fact that one is raised by a working mom or stay-at-home mom who might be more hands on in steering their lives influence their success-level in life?
As I mentioned, my mom was very hard-working and passed on that same work ethic to me, but she wasn’t the PTA mom and our house wasn’t the one where everyone congregated while fresh baked cookies were in the oven. I went to public schools all my life until I attended Fordham University (a private school) and I think I turned out alright. BUT what if my mom didn’t work so much and had the financial resources to really “groom me,” would it be CJ-R (as in “Robinson”) Communications on the door? I’m guessing that French feminist philosopher Elisabeth Badinter, author of recently released The Conflict: How Modern Motherhood Undermines the Status of Women, which argues that over parenting is holding women back, would scream NO!
Honestly, I don’t think it matters. While I do think upbringing plays a role in how we develop into adulthood, I also feel we are the masters of our own destiny. If I had to choose, I’d say I want to be a mom that brings home the bacon and cooks it, but life happens and if I can’t do that, I’ll be a guiding force in my kids life regardless. . . just like my mom was for me. What do you think? 