Time for Parenting...

...because raising children is a full-time job

September 2001 Newsletter

From the chair; Early attachment is crucial; In your own words; Write to your MP today!; What the papers say; Noticeboard; Your letters

In your own words

new members talk about their own experiences as full-time mothers

'I'm interested in raising the profile of mothers in society and getting rid of the stigma attached to being a full-time mother' - Alana, Lincs

'It's easy to feel undervalued when you are looking after children at home, which is crazy - as if sitting in front of a computer makes you a more interesting person!' - Myfanwy, Oxford

'My daughter Erin is six months old and her dad is away in the Navy, so I am on my own most of the time. It is hard but we cope. I make plaster casts of baby's feet and hands to supplement our income and Erin comes with me' - Deby, Bangor

'My children are 25 and 28. From the moment the first was born until they were both at school I devoted myself to full-time motherhood. I can state that they are both a joy to us, never let us down or kicked over the traces. They did well at school and university and are solid, loving, totally dependable people. I'd do it all over again - what could be more important? I have a successful career now but when I am asked what I consider my greatest achievement and reward it is always my kids!' - Caro, London

'I have worked for 7 years as an occupational therapist. I went on maternity leave and had to confirm my intentions 49 days after my baby was born. I have said I will not be returning. I feel that life is too short and bringing up a child is too important to leave to someone else. My husband is a social worker; we will have to budget carefully to live on one wage.' - Megan, Kent

'I had every intention of finding childcare and returning to work once my son was born. When I realised no-one else could do the job like me, I decided to stay at home. We 'down-sized' materially but 'up-sized' emotionally! - JMP, Oxfordshire

'I've experienced working full-time whilst trying to be an acceptable mother and now, at the other extreme, I home-educate two of our three children. So I've experienced some variety. I've come to the conclusion that there's only room for one 'career' in the family, due to the way the work-world operates. It's hard to find time to stand up for a mother's needs in our society, hence they're so often overlooked.' - Jenny, Leicester

'We took a huge income drop when I finished working and find life a financial struggle. We would like to see my personal allowance transferred to my husband and a recognition that it isn't a privileged choice to stay at home but a financial sacrifice' - Karen, Dorset

'I am a recently-qualified GP and feel very strongly that my being there for my 15 month-old daughter is the most important role in the world.' - Laura, Carlisle