Moms on Oprah

I watched some of Oprah today and found it very thought-provoking. She interviewed Elizabeth Vargas about her decision to leave "World News Tonight" because of her children. Then, she interviewed working and stay-at-home moms about their decisions and situations. It reminded me of a comment JAB made when we were in Columbus for Nat's big 3-0. She said that women of our generation had been raised to think that we can have it all, but the truth is, we can't. I agreed. Then, Oprah said something today that I agree with more and wish I came up with myself. She said that women can have it all, we just can't have it all at the same time. I agree with that whole-heartedly. I think that motherhood teaches compromise. There are lots of adjustments in priorities - which are for the better. But, for women who are used to doing it all their own way, compromising can be especially hard.

My one over-riding complaint about the whole motherhood/career situation (other than women just need to give each other a break and not judge each other on their choice of occupation after having a baby) is why hasn't the job market better accomodated moms so that they can do both without feeling as guilty for either not spending enough time with their kids or not letting their employers down? It's called PART TIME opportunities that are still thought-provoking jobs. Job shares for teachers would be great. It astounded me to join a profession full of women with so little to offer someone part time. Couldn't kids have one teacher before lunch and one after? Or one on Mon/Wed, one on Tues/Thurs and they alternate every other Friday? If women spent less time justifying their decision to work or not to work, and more time coming up with ways to lobby employers for flexibility and creativity in job creation and child care providers to allow for part-time parents, we might just get somewhere.