First of all, I’d like to ask how many homeschooling mothers are “sacrificing” fulfilling careers in rocket science to be home with their children? Perhaps if Mom is the rocket scientist and big breadwinner in the family, then Dad would be the homeschooling parent. Secondly, what about all the women who have broken free from dead-end, low-paying jobs they hated to come home and be the CEO of their families? And thirdly, what about the large percentage of American mothers whose profession is teaching other people’s children? Aren’t all public and private school teachers doing the same thing with their lives as homeschooling parents—using their skills and knowledge by passing it on to the next generation?
Our society seems to have progressed to the point of realizing that it’s (once again) okay for mothers to forego an income, but now it’s the job title that we’re supposed to retain. The title, along with its perceived clout and fulfillment and the clearly stated recognition of exactly what we contribute to society, are considered too great to set aside.
I understand this pressure to identify myself with a title and prove that I’m using my potential. In response to others’ expectations, I searched long and hard for some kind of additional label I could claim since becoming a stay-at-home mother. Something prestigious beneath my name on a business card. Author of…Owner of….Professional….Over the past several years as a mother, I’ve checked out many avenues for obtaining a title and even tried on a few hats. I took a test to be a postal clerk, interviewed for a half-day public school teacher, worked one day as a proofreader, and looked into master’s degrees and home businesses. Trouble was, none of these hats fit. The description that was my calling and truly fit me best could not be squeezed onto a business card or explained with a brief introduction.
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