What roles do women typically take on? Many women embrace motherhood, which is undeniably one of the most pivotal roles one can have. However, women are also capable of excelling in numerous other professions.
A Historical Perspective
Consider an educational overview on a historical figure: What did George Washington accomplish? He was a dad! While being a father is indeed significant, Washington also led the Continental Army and helped establish the United States. Men’s accomplishments are rarely framed by their roles as fathers. When discussing notable men, their parental status is seldom mentioned, and we don’t usually qualify their potential with “almost.” Yet, whenever we discuss remarkable women, motherhood often takes center stage, even in conversations with young children.
Ironically, the majority of the women my child learned about recently—Marie Curie, Rosa Parks, Frida Kahlo, and Jane Goodall—were childless. It was only Sacagawea who was a mother during her era of fame. As I juggle daily tasks with my kids, I can’t help but admire Sacagawea’s resilience while carrying her infant across rugged terrain.
The Implications of Labeling Motherhood
This curriculum emphasis on motherhood as the ‘most important job’ seems to suggest that mothers like me, who don’t work outside the home, might feel slighted, or that those who do work need a reminder of what truly counts. The comparison between Harriet Tubman’s life-saving endeavors and my own lunch-packing duties is a stark reminder of this disparity.
Today, there seems to be a growing fixation on our roles as women and what they signify. Many stay-at-home mothers feel undermined when working mothers are viewed as more significant. Conversely, working mothers may bristle at being reminded that motherhood overshadows their professional achievements. While such debates are one thing in the adult realm of social media, they become concerning when they shape educational discussions.
Redefining Our Perspective
Our children—both sons and daughters—should not be taught that motherhood is the defining measure of a woman’s life. This is precisely the message we convey when we label motherhood a job. It is not a job. I do not receive a paycheck, cannot be terminated, and can’t simply opt out to pursue other interests. Although it demands significant effort—like any job—and often leads to sleepless nights, motherhood transcends the typical job description.
Here’s the reality: my son frequently talks about becoming a father one day. His visions of fatherhood often come with whimsical notions, like allowing his kids to wear shorts in winter. He also dreams of being a professional athlete. He sees these aspirations as entirely separate, as no one has ever mixed them together.
Perhaps it’s time we, as educators, friends, and parents, take a cue from this perspective.
Resources for Starting a Family
For those interested in the journey of starting a family, exploring resources like this home insemination kit can be helpful. Additionally, Couples Fertility Journey for Intracervical Insemination provides valuable insights on this topic. For further information on pregnancy and home insemination, Cleveland Clinic’s podcast is an excellent resource.
Summary
Motherhood is an essential aspect of a woman’s identity but should not be framed as a job. Unlike traditional careers, it lacks payment and can’t be quit. Children should not be taught to measure women’s lives solely by their roles as mothers. Instead, we should recognize the multifaceted nature of women’s contributions to society.
Keyphrase: Motherhood as a role
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