angela_the golo editor: blog 
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stay-at-home vs. working moms
Published Oct. 20, 2009Views: 2133
I was sharing a story with a group of people I had lunch with last week about the stay-at-home vs. working mom dynamic that was a big deal at the private school my daughter attended when we lived in Florida.
I can remember signing up to bring mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese for the Thanksgiving lunch and receiving a call from the room mom two nights before telling me that she'd signed me up for two cans of gravy.
I told her that I'd signed up for much more than that and wouldn't feel right contributing such a small item and that gravy was not my choice.
Her response was (please add as much snarky sarcasm to this comment as you possibly can, along with a touch of arrogance)
"Well, we know you WORK, so I thought this would be easy enough!
Ha, if you think people with multiple profiles on GOLO annoy me to no end, think again. I was so angry about this comment. I went into super mom mode, let my competitive side show and made three sweet potatoe pies, a cheesecake and the macaroni and mashed potatoes I'd promised. I was so mad I was shaking, because these attitudes were so pervasive at that school.
As I talk to more and more women I realize that this dynamic exists everywhere. The constant battles against one-another are insane.
At this particular school, there were clearly two groups. Those of us who came dressed for work, hustling back to the car to make it on time and those who came dressed in their designer workout attire.
I am not making this up. It was wild.
I was talking to another working mom a few weeks ago who told me some of her stories. And I've also heard the stay-at-home moms complain that the moms like me treat them poorly as well.
I think we all know how much time we spend with our children, because this is essentially what it's all about. Kids at home with their moms may not be getting all of thier attention, and kids at school or daycare may not be completely neglected as some believe.
I know that I do a ton of things with my kids and provide a great deal of individual attention and work hard to make them good citizens and smart girls who will grow up to be smart women who understand that they have choices.
Both groups have made choices and isn't it great that they are our choices to make?
This is a feud that I would love to see end. How about you moms? Have you had similar experiences?
Note: The photo is the Christmas Carolers we made last December out of toilet paper rolls.
Filed under: Family
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October 20, 2009 11:21 a.m.
GOLO member since January 19, 2008
October 20, 2009 11:22 a.m.
GOLO member since November 6, 2008
October 20, 2009 11:22 a.m.
GOLO member since August 7, 2007
October 20, 2009 11:22 a.m.
GOLO member since September 15, 2008
October 20, 2009 11:22 a.m.
GOLO member since November 20, 2008
October 20, 2009 11:23 a.m.
GOLO member since September 15, 2008
October 20, 2009 11:24 a.m.
talk about cowgirling up!!!
GOLO member since August 21, 2009
October 20, 2009 11:25 a.m.
I did not want to leave the work force for fear that I wouldn't be able to get back in. I love my children and they are a huge part of my life.
However, I need personal fulfillment too. I want to feel like I have accomplished something professionally. Yes, being a great mom is a wonderful accomplishment.
I feel that I do both really well. I do envy the moms in the car pool line (honestly).
GOLO member since June 24, 2009
October 20, 2009 11:26 a.m.
and I feel that our decision is best to stay at home, you cant get these yrs back. When my daughter enters kindergarten next year I will be full time working again
GOLO member since September 2, 2009
October 20, 2009 11:27 a.m.
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