Mommy Bores

How much longer do we need to hash out the so-called "Mommy Wars"?  An article in yesterday's New York Times by Stephanie Coontz, "The Triumph of the Working Mother," argues correctly for more support for families whose mothers work outside the home, but in so doing the author employs the usual language of alienating one group of mothers from another.  The sub-title of the article says it all: "Those who stay at home report more sadness, anger and depression."

Why can't we recognize that what works for some doesn't work for others--and that this is OK?  Why do we have to keep proving that one side is better than the other, when no such dichotomy exists?

I will be glad when we no longer read such articles, whether they argue for or against staying home with children.  Or maybe I'll just wait for Daddy Wars, when men write endlessly--and always in a defensive tone--about why they do or don't work outside the home.

These are wars that nobody wins, so there's no point in fighting.  Give it up, and advocate instead for jobs for anyone who wants one and good, affordable childcare for all.  Those who choose instead to stay at home deserve the same respect as everyone else.