But then I saw the magazine again in a waiting room, and my curiosity got the best of me. I read it, and I stand by my initial opinion. It is a negatively charged article riddled with studies that conclude that being a parent does not increase your level of life happiness, but rather has the potential to make you more unhappy. Like I needed to read that!
One of the most uplifting quotes (can you feel my sarcasm) is this one: "Mothers are less happy than fathers, single parents are less happy still."
The article told me things I already know like: " Today’s married mothers also have less leisure time (5.4 fewer hours per week); 71 percent say they crave more time for themselves..."
I don't need New York Magazine to tell me that I never get a break, my job as mother is 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
And you know what, New York Magazine? If you care so much about making me happy, come to my house and give me some time off. Let me go to the movies or get a pedicure!
If you see this article and you're a parent, read it if you must, but know that it probably won't tell you anything you don't already know, and it might make you crankier than you already are in this 103 degree weather in New York City.
Wow what an awesome article (insert eye roll here). Isn't there an oil spill or war that they can cover?
ReplyDeleteI hear what you mean, but I constantly complain about being a parent. It pretty much sucks. Everyone is sick of hearing it from me but its pretty hard to not say it.
ReplyDeleteAmanda- I totally agree! HA HA AH!
ReplyDeleteCordy- That's that point! We know how much being a parent can suck. It's hard, and I don't need some writer from New York Magazine to tell me what I already know; being a mom is hard!
Very interesting. Don't you think that maybe it's society that's telling us that being home with out children leaves us feeling unfulfilled? I think it's just a state of mind. Work outside the home is work, staying home is work. Work is work. As part of the job, we have to make it work. We have to dig deep and it's challenging. But, I'd rather work for my kids than anyone else. Thanks for this post. By the way, I'm sorry I've not written on your blog lately. I promise to be a better blog friend!
ReplyDeleteKyndale, I think you're right. Society views work outside the home as "real" work. Staying home with your children is not classified as work.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I think this is (as you put it) the best kind of work. It is hard but ultimately rewarding. You learn more about yourself, your personal challenges, and further develop your connection to your kids.
Such an irritating and deliberately provocative article. I have no problem with people deciding to go without children but leave the rest of us alone to enjoy our crazy kids!
ReplyDeleteNot to mention that I had plenty of spare time before Theo arrived and can't say it was I doing anything terrible spectacular with it!
ReplyDeleteHarriet- Amen !
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