Essay, Research Paper
Comparative Essay: Mothers With A Divided Heart
Kathy O’Reilly April 3, 1997 Comparative Essay
The importance of raising children to be productive members of a rapidly
evolving, achievement oriented society, is paramount to the success of the
family and the global economy. At the same time, the stresses of every day
individual economic and personal fulfillment needs are a significant counter
force. This force works against the available time and effort required for
mothers to successfully nurture their young. It has resulted in societal “Mommy
Wars”, pitting the working mom against the stay-at-home mom, in a battle over
which model offers the clearest path to nurturing success. Bridging the gap
requires each to accept that there is not one right choice for every family and
to understand and respect each individual decision. All moms have one thing in
common: they make sacrifices to do what is best for their families. To a
working mom, this means not spending as much time with her children, and for
stay-at-home moms, this means not getting much time to herself. Being home or
not with the children is not as important as creating an environment where the
children can thrive and feel loved.
Stay-at-home moms are often viewed as “soap-opera-watching couch potatoes” with
no ambition. Rather than being praised for their decision to stay home, they
often feel they need to defend it. Society talks so much about family values,
yet gives little respect or value to stay-at-home moms who raise the families.
In addition, stay-at-home moms find it challenging to provide a social setting
for their children when being at home all day is the only stimulation they have.
Furthermore, the strain of not bringing in money for a better standard of living
can lead to self-doubt and isolation. That feeling of insecurity can be put to
rest, however, with the peace-of-mind that comes from knowing that the child is
being well taken care of. Stay-at-home moms have the opportunity to become
more involved in the children’s school activities as well. This can be
important to both because it shows interest in the child and that leads to
higher self-esteem for the child. This way of living is beneficial for the
children as well because there is only one set of rules to follow. The
children feel a constant unconditional love from their own parents that is
unlike any other love. Children can thrive with a routine and rely on the
stability they feel when they have mom to count on “being there” all the time.
Staying home to raise a family is healthy for the family to grow together and to
support each other’s roles.
Family support is important, however, working moms are often viewed as deserting
their children in order to have nicer cars and homes. They are said to “want it
all.” Yet at times, they are denied “it all” in the work place specifically
because they are moms. Working moms experience the stress of being pulled in so
many directions, it is like living with a divided heart. The pressure of
economics that force many single mothers into the workplace makes the choice a
limited one and creates a sense of guilt. The guilt about not “being there” for
the children and the fear that they are not being well taken care of adds to the
stressful decisions working moms need to make. The guilt multiplies when there
is a feeling of selfishness wanting to pursue a career and wanting “more” for
the children and the family. In spite of these drawbacks, working moms have
many benefits. They have the luxury of learning and growing every day
independent of their families. The mental satisfaction of knowing that they
contribute to the success of their company is very satisfying. It is rewarding
to know the children are learning how to play, share and laugh with others.
Working moms are so anxious to see their children after a day at work, it
creates a sense of bonding when they get home. Moms and kids have the evenings
to really focus on each other and learn about each other. They are also pulling
their own weight with an income of their own, and this builds personal self-
confidence which is healthy for the whole family. Financially, it is easier to
provide a larger home and a higher education for the children. The advantages
to the children lie in the social skills they acquire being in different
settings and interacting with other people. If the children are in a daycare
setting, they can learn how to adapt to change, share with other children, and
prepare for school which is important for their roles as future adults. Working
moms should feel proud of their accomplishments and good about themselves for
giving their children the gift of independence, self confidence and love.
Happy, healthy children is the common goal for every mom. The environment
mothers place them in is up to each individual. Both kinds of moms have a lot
in common: both miss what the other has, both make sacrifices, and both find
themselves having to justify their decisions. Dr. Jacqueline Lerner, a
psychologist at Penn State, did a study of each group and found that “the most
poorly adjusted children were those with mothers who wanted to work but were
staying home, and those with working mothers who felt they really should be
home.” Although it makes sense that happy mothers will raise well-adjusted
children, the problem for many mothers is the guilt and worry they feel no
matter which route they take. Moms should be proud of the work they do and
confident that they are doing what is best for the family. After all, children
are unconditionally accepting, and all they ever want is to be loved.
364
Другие работы по теме:
Rebuttal Susan Essay Research Paper RebuttalSusan she
Rebuttal Susan Essay, Research Paper Rebuttal Susan: she is trained and it would be a disgrace for her not to work. Rebuttal: It has been observed that most girls at highschool are not really concerned about their studies and they just play around. They are filled with ideas of some man coming up to them as long as they are beautiful.
Take My Beating Essay Research Paper it
Take My Beating Essay, Research Paper it’s my fault grabs my ears as i open the door rushing through the air my mothers belt landing smack hard across his legs
Untitled Essay Research Paper I messed up
Untitled Essay, Research Paper I messed up; I made a mistake, But please, haste do not take. I love you more than any action or words could ever express, Still I find my heart drowning in loneliness.
MotherDaughter Relationships From The Joy Luck Club
Essay, Research Paper The relationships between mother and daughter brought up in the film, “The Joy Luck Club” are very conflictive. They reflect a great deal of the way in which mothers act towards their daughters and viceversa. The film shows a very realistic view of the mother and daughter relationships in our modern world; which are very traditional in many ways.
Untitled Essay Research Paper Many women today
Untitled Essay, Research Paper Many women today are facing choices that their mothers never had to face. One of these choices is whether or not to go back to work after having a child. This was practically
My Love Essay Research Paper You are
My Love Essay, Research Paper You are my everything My one true love My heart will sing If we can stay forever in love When I first laid eyes upon you My jaw dropped
Mother
’s Memories Essay, Research Paper In ?The Accuracy of Mother? Memories of Conversations With Their Preschool Children?, Maggie Bruck, Stephen Ceci and Emmett Francoeur examine the ?specific elements? of mother?s memories when interacting with their children. Twenty four mothers with young children from the ages of three to five were picked for this study.
Everyday Use Essay Research Paper Suffering Produces
Everyday Use Essay, Research Paper ??Suffering Produces Perseverance; Perseverance, Character and Character, Hope?? ?Everyday Use? by Alice Walker and ?I Stand Here Ironing? by Tillie Olsen both personified a mother with great love and compassion for their children. Although each mother was separated by cultural and social differences the mothers in these stories shared a similar character.
Poem Essay Research Paper I went to
Poem Essay, Research Paper I went to bed last night Wishing on a star Your light shines in my heart No matter where you are It’s hard for me to say My words are sometimes few
Poem My Friend Essay Research Paper My
Poem: My Friend Essay, Research Paper My Friend My lonely soul is shivering in despair I have never in my life made a more precious sarifice I have given my heart away
Moments Essay Research Paper I know I
Moments Essay, Research Paper I know I said yes, But deep down inside, Divided, Undecided. Days passed. That night, Before the day, Sleepless, Full of thoughts,
Jerusalem Israel Essay Research Paper Jerusalem
Jerusalem Israel Essay, Research Paper Jerusalem Jerusalem is located in the heart of Israel and is divided into three sections: the Old City, New City (West Jerusalem), and East Jerusalem. In
Heart Essay Research Paper TO MY HEARTHEART
Heart Essay, Research Paper TO MY HEART: HEART–WE WILL FORGET HER, YOU AND I TONIGHT. YOU MAY FORGET THE WARMTH SHE GAVE, I WILL FORGET HER SIGHT. WHEN YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN THAT NAME AND THAT NAMES WOE, I SHALL BEGIN MOVING ON, SURELY BUT SLOW. THE DARK IS OMINOUS, PLEASE TURN ON THE LIGHT, I WILL CONTINUE TO FORGET, LEAVING BEHIND THE FRIGHT.
Teenage Mothers Essay Research Paper Dear Judges
Teenage Mothers Essay, Research Paper Dear Judges of Criminal Courts: I m writing in concern of unmarried teenage mothers who mistreat their child or cause the death of their newborn. There are alternatives available for the teenage mother so she can avoid bringing a newborn to society. Something must be done to protect the helpless newborns.
The Broken Heart Essay Research Paper Imagery
The Broken Heart Essay, Research Paper Imagery in "The Broken Heart" John Donnes? poem "The Broken Heart" is full of imagery, used to portray his broken heart. Donne uses the imagery so we can get a visual picture of what love means to him. He uses the imagery because it?s necessary to see a picture of the pain he lives with.
French Government Essay Research Paper The modern
French Government Essay, Research Paper The modern French government is run very much like the government of the United States. France is a democratic republic that is divided into three branches,
The Joy Luck Club 2
The Joy Luck Club – Culture Differences Essay, Research Paper The Joy Luck Club, a novel by Amy Tan, is a compilation from eight different women and their lives. The stories are based on their Chinese culture and their mother/daughter relationships. In the novel and in the film production, the women go through many obstacles in life and must overcome them in order to survive.
The Joy Luck Club 4 Essay Research
Paper The Joy Luck Club The Joy luck club was a book written by Amy Tan. The story is set here in America and in China and is set in the 1940 s and also takes place now. The book is about four Asian women who fled china and their Americanized daughters.
A Professinal Football Game Essay Research Paper
This is my essay about the NFL and its players. The NFL is divided into two leagues, the AFC and the NFC. In those divisions, they are divided into 3 conferences, the west, central, east. They both have about 14 teams each and they compete head to head.
June Jordan Essay Research Paper
How is your relationship with you mother? A mother to daughter relationship is very important. In both passages the daughter admires their mother, but they don’t want to become them. In passage A prose-poem by June Jordan and passage B an essay by Carol Saline, both daughter discuss their admiration for their mother, but do not want to becomes their mothers.
Jourrnal Essay Research Paper Journal AbstractPeople effect
Jourrnal Essay, Research Paper Journal Abstract People effect others without even knowing it when they choose to smoke. When someone lights up a cigarette and others inhale secondary smoke, you directly effect their health. Most smokers deny the fact that they are damaging others, or often don t even realize what they are doing.
Alwayz And Forever Essay Research Paper Alwayz
Alwayz And Forever Essay, Research Paper Alwayz and Forever in my heart you will stay. My love for you grows with each passing day. Always and Forever I will remain faithful and true.
Effects Of Exercise On A Human Heart
Rate Essay, Research Paper Frankie Jacobi EFFECTS OF EXERCISE ON A HUMAN HEART RATE PURPOSE: To determine the amount of time it takes your heart to get back to a normal beat after a minute of exercise.
Heart Disease Essay Research Paper 4 COMMON
Heart Disease Essay, Research Paper 4 COMMON HEART DISEASE 1. CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE : IS THE DAMAGE TO THE HEART THAT CAN OCCUR BEFORE OR DURING THE BIRTH OF A BABY. THAT HAPPENS
We Are Our Mothers Daughters
’ Essay, Research Paper Book Review We Are Our Mothers? Daughters News correspondent Cokie Roberts, author of a meaningful book titled We are Our Mothers? Daughters, published in 1998, call number 001-170, discusses significant
Heart Of Darkness Vs Apocalyp Essay Research
Paper Comparative Essay between Heart of Darkness and Apocalypse Now The relationship between Joseph Conrad’s book, Heart of Darkness and Francis Coppola’s movie, Apocalypse Now are obvious. Apocalypse Now follows the story line of the Heart of Darkness although the settings of each story are from completely different location and time periods.
You Need A
… Essay, Research Paper You need a man, a man like me, Together we will sail across the sea. You need a man who doesn’t run away in fright, You need a man that will stay with you all night.
The Heart Essay Research Paper The heart
The Heart Essay, Research Paper The heart is the pump that powers the human body. With every heart beat it sends life giving blood throughout the body. The blood carries oxygen and food to the cells. Beating of the heart begins seven months before you are born. The heart is large, hollow, and muscular. The heart is divided into two pumps that are side by side.