EXAMPLE

Discussion Responses

4 pts—I found this article to correlate with an experience I have gone through. I too have had to face the challenge of choosing family over work. I am not a single mother; My husband and I are married and together raise three children. It was in my identity scripts through my parents that mothers do not work outside of the home. My father was the “bread winner” while my mother looked after my brother and I, as well as cared for the home. I battled with this when I became a mother because I love my career as a graphic artist. It allows me to express my creative side and I gain self-esteem through my accomplishments at work, not just at home. I don’t think there is a problem with mothers who set that example for their own children as long as the children feel loved and can see that accomplishment in both places is valued.

In addition, this article, as well as Chapter 27 of our text, refers to the concept of stay-at-home mothers as though work is not being done. I do want to say that although I do work outside of the home as well, that I know those that stay home do not sit idly. There is much work that is done at home, and most people who are not in that situation are not aware of what is required to maintain kids and the household. It would be interesting to require anyone that makes such a statement to have to stay home for a week and care for children and a household.

3 pts—I have faced this challenge that we are talking about in my own life. I have batled on whether to stay at home with my children or to go back to work. I love my job; it boosts my self-esteem and helps me feel a sinse of accomplishment. We learned about identity scripts in Chapter 2—I was told growing up that mothers shouldn’t work outside the home. That is why deciding to go back to work has been such a batle for me. My desire ultimately goes against what I was taught my whole life. My husband supports my decision and that helps. I guess I feel that that my working outside the home sets a positive example for my kids that I can be good at lots of things and I have pride in that.

I also want to defend those who do stay at home with their kids. That is a job too. Our reading refers to researchers who say that those mothers don’t work-their place is in the home. To say that mothers at home do not work is ignorant. They work longer hours than most anybody else caring for both their children and their homes.

2pts—I am not sure what the reeding was trying to say or if I know what I am talking about, but I like to work outside of my house. My kiddz are impotent to me, but I like to talk to adults too. I feel better when my co-workers praze my work. My kiddz know I love them and that is what matters. There are people who don’t think that at-home mothers work—that is not true. My friends stays home with her kiddz and she does more than anybody I know.

1 pt—This article was interstng. I kind of remindz mee of my g’ma (lol) I am not the same person as shee waz. I like to reed argments like this becuz it gets me thinking about my life stuff. I work and have kiddz. It is hard but I want it that way.

0 pts—“Interesting article!,” or nothing is posted