So, What Do You Do All Day?
At a recent function my husband and I attended among friends, I was posed with this question amidst casual conversation with someone who I’ve known for years. “So, what do you do all day?” For any stay at home mom, this can feel like the “kiss of death,” unearthing negative thoughts and feelings and maybe the occasional flying object. I, of course, cannot remember my response, since my mind was working overtime to keep myself from delivering a series of attacks armed only with my passion for what I do and my words. The poser of the question is a father, who works full time, as does his wife. Their little one goes to daycare during the day. He managed to walk away uninjured from the conversation, and I am still not sure if he even knows that his words were slightly offensive.
Later on that night, I sat down with my husband to try to make sense of my feelings towards this encounter (since it will certainly not to be the last of its kind). I believe I learned something very important as a new parent, and it has little to do with the age old “stay-at-home-mom versus working-mom” debate. No matter what the issue, be it daycare vs. nanny, staying at home vs. working, home school vs. public, cloth vs. disposable – every parent parents differently, but we all feel our way is best. What we have to learn is how to interact with one another and respect each other’s choices as parents. This can be easier said than done! As a parent of a young baby, people feel compelled to offer advice to you whether they are your best friend, acquaintances or standing behind you in line at the super market.
Have you ever butt heads with another parent or family member who may not agree with your decisions or style of parenting? What do you feel is the best way to handle these encounters?
