New Documentary Covers Obstacles Working Moms Face »
Posted by: Jayson 1 year, 5 months ago125 Comments Report this Story
The mothers all held jobs outside the home, and many had flexible schedules to make it easier to care for their children. They huddled around a television to view "The Motherhood Manifesto," a documentary film about the obstacles still facing working mothers, including many of those in the room.
Read Full Story at chicagotribune.com
Join the Discussion 
+ Add Comment
Comments So Far: 125
-
0%
evelyna1 year, 5 months ago
It is getting tougher for everyone. Motherhood is a choice the world does not have to accomodate. Unless of course we allow paid time for for people to be with their spouses,parents and pets during their illnesses.
I think it is discriminatory that states and the government will provide healthcare for children but none for older people.
After all older people are working and putting into the system.
We are a divided nation only because some people feel they are more entitled than others.
Reply-
0%
elll1 year, 5 months ago
ONE thing I want to say in reponse to your post is that if we don't take care of our children and their health....HOW CAN WE EXPECT THEM TO BECOME SENIOR CITIZENS!????
(I'm not implying that seniors shouldn't get healthcare...and by the way, all citizens qualify for free or discounted healthcare if they meet income requirements...right?)
Reply
-
-
0%
CALEB19601 year, 5 months ago
Bless the poor working Mom. They have it so rough I don't know how they do it. All I had to do for 21 years was work 70-80 a week, keep house, mow grass, run a shuttle to and from football and track practice, boyscouts and vacations. Keep all doctor appointments, cook and clean, do laundry, help wth homework and make sure to attend all PTO meetings as well as volunteer at my son's school. Not to mention footing ALL of the bills with no help. But I guess that's alright because I'm a man. I, for one, am sick and tired of hearing about "working moms". BooHoo!!!!
Reply-
-
0%
devladv131 year, 5 months ago
The fact also remains that over 50% of the children born in this era are out of wedlock. Somewhere in that 9 months the expecting mother should have gotten some signal that the father wasn't going to stick around. Roe V. Wade was passed in 1973 so that women can make the right choice when it comes to bringing a child into this world. If she suspects that the father isn't going to be around, she needs exercise her rights.
Reply
-
-
-
0%
plusmodel281 year, 5 months ago
I personally think single fathers should be given proper credit as well. Even though there are more single mothers than single fathers, they should all be given respect. Just remember this: any guy can be a dad, but it takes hard work, love, patience, and kindness to be a father. That's why you hear a lot of people talking about their "baby daddy." It's because there are so many men who do the deed, get the girl pregnant, and then leave...never to be heard from again. Most will skip out on paying any child care, and some don't even know they have a kid in the first place.
Personally, I commend you for working so hard, and being a single working father.
Reply-
0%
devladv131 year, 5 months ago
You seem to forget that the dad wasn't the only one doing the "deed." Mom was doint the "deed" too. But what people dare not mention is that the dad who participated in the "deed" has no say in the birth. It is the mother that makes the sole decision to bring a child into the word. So, yes! They both did the "deed." But she chose to bring a child into the world when she knew that the dad was just as irresponsible as she.
Reply
-
-
-
0%
GODIMMAD1 year, 5 months ago
Democrats, be fore-warned. You wont like this. So moms wanted to get to the work force to establish rights. Good for them. Anything will come back to you as an equal bad. The moms have rights that now they dont like! Im not an idiot not to include all. Why cant a man be a house person(sp bs). Work a part time job and deal with the housework(inside only) and the kids. I wouldnt mind walking in the shoes. I dont know if I would be the best house person but as the wives are starting to figure out, the business world is not the best place for anyone including males or females. Oh yes, now sweeten the deal to take care of everything and not only get paid of the spouse but by work and govt to pay me to do everything. Why would I need a spouse at that point. Dont they make vibrators for men/females that do the job of pleasure. Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it.
Reply-
0%
elll1 year, 5 months ago
If all I had to do to be a mom is work a part time job and do "inside" chores and "the kids" ....I'd want to walk in those shoes too. Obviously you don't have a real grasp on what motherhood (or single parenthood...or stay at home dad)really is about
Reply -
0%
plusmodel281 year, 5 months ago
Let me guess...you are single, have no children (that you know of atleast), and have been told by quite a few people that you are too immature to be in a relationship? Well, that's just the vibe I'm getting off of this little post of yours, atleast.
If being a house wife (or husband) were as easy as you state it is, then I must be doing things ALL wrong! Let me fill you in on what life is REALLY like for a house wife who also works.
First of all, I get up at the butt-crack of dawn, so I can feed and help get my kids dressed. First, though, I have to give my daughter her medication for her ADHD. Then, I hurry up to get myself dressed and ready to go for the day. I never have time to even get a cup of coffee until MAYBE 10-11am. Anyhow. At 8am, I take my daughter to kindergarten, then come back home (if I don't have errands to run first). Once home, I have to find something to keep my 3 year old son busy, then I start to unload the dishwasher.. then reload with more dishes...
Reply-
100%
plusmodel281 year, 5 months ago
Then, when that is done, I have to make sure the dogs are fed and watered, drag my son and the dogs outside so the dogs can go to the bathroom, walk back up the 3 flights of stairs to my apartment and start working on laundry. By the time I have that done, it's time to get lunch ready for my son. I really don't have much time to eat lunch myself, unless I eat during my little break or at the computer (like now). Anyhow. after my son eats his lunch, I either get a movie on for him, or read to him, or play cars or something with him. Then, I am able to get on the computer and do my actual job (well, the first part of it atleast). During my "free" time, I am on the computer and on the phone working with models and other area photographers working on schedules and ideas for photo shoots. I am a freelance photographer, and former model (was too stressful after having kids to continue that). Now, if I am able to keep my son quiet long enough to set up a date for a shoot, then...
Reply
-
-
-
0%
celebritymom1 year, 5 months ago
After reading this article, I feel even more lucky than before as a working mother with a young child. I'm fortunate enough to be employed in a work place that is family friendly, flexible, etc. Still, it's a struggle. I realize the choices I'm making all have consequences, there's give and take. If a mother, single or not, works full time, stays home, works part-time, whatever the choice may be, there are consequences to it, whether financial, emotional, etc. It's the way the world works. I think people should wake-up and realize they have to live with their choices and the consequences. Advocacy groups, the government, employers, etc. can not cater to their every desire so they don't have to feel the pain of those consequences. We've come a long way in this country, and I for one am a woman and mother who feels she has equal rights, equal pay and equal opportunity. Are there any other's out there?
Reply-
100%
elll1 year, 5 months ago
I'm surprised to hear that you feel you have equal pay....even women who are physicians don't get equal pay. Women executives might get egual play...but they also tend to have no children or husband (they dedicate their lives to work)
Reply -
0%
DanmLiberals1 year, 5 months ago
Im glad I married filipina... she knows her role as the mother and nurturer and Im very thankful to have someone that can take care of the house and kids while Im out working... Too bad the feminists killed the Nurturing part of women here. It's nice to see that when a woman assumes that role, the family is usually closer to each other without the extra distance of women working.
Reply-
0%
plusmodel281 year, 5 months ago
hmmm...you aren't by chance a southern baptist are you?
Why should women have to be submissive to the man? A marriage is a bond...not a 50-50% relationship...no, it should be 100% on both sides.
I'm not exactly a feminist, but still...
A woman's place or "role" is whatever SHE wants it to be. If your wife wants to be stuck at home raising screaming, crying children and slaving around the house only to get a pat on the back later, then fine, let her. However, have you actually asked her what exactly what she wants to do with her life?
Reply
-
-
-
0%
LadySerina1 year, 5 months ago
I dont disagree that men that are raising children on their own should be equally praised. I have a close friend whom I work with that is raising his 2 children on his own after his wife decided to up and leave and just forget about him and the children. He is a terrific dad and I just dont know how he does it on his own!! He takes half of his lunch break everday and calls home to talk with his kids to make sure they are doing ok (his parents watch them while he is working)
Reply -
100%
LadySerina1 year, 5 months ago
I am a married working mother of a 3year old and what often feels like a 31 year old as well because sometimes he is worse than the toddler. I think one of the major issues with working moms is the fact that I am NOT a single mom I am happily married however my husband goes to work and works a full 40 hour week with occasional overtime while I on the otherhand work at a Tier of Honda and work something like 56 hours a week.
Reply-
-
0%
LadySerina1 year, 5 months ago
We Work allternate Shifts so SHE is with my husband in the evenings and me in the daytime. She goes to a sitters when he works overtime for about an hour which is rarely ever. So it isn't like she is being raised by some daycare like some kids are. I wasnt brought up that way and I dont expect my children to be either.I beleive that values are instilled in children by the ones that they spend the most time with and that would be me and her father.
Reply
-
-
-
100%
LadySerina1 year, 5 months ago
However im still expected to do all the housework and make sure dinner and such is waiting for him once he gets home. I dont think it is just him it is the country in general that think even though women work they should still take care of the house and family as well. I don't object I just feel that if both people work outside the home it should be a shared responsibility. While his free time is spent doing as he pleases my free time is spent trying to catch up on housework and laundry. You may think women faught for equal rights and won but technically we are still expected to do what we once did we just have added resposibility's and expectations.
Reply-
-
0%
ciera-marie1 year, 5 months ago
Jayson:
LadySerina is not the only married woman that goes through this. Every woman I know that is married and talks honestly about the good and bad of marriage all talk about this.
Reply
-
-
50%
nostalgia1 year, 5 months ago
Not me! I made it clear from the beginning - we both work full time so we split all work at home - cooking, cleaning, laundry etc were all divided between us. I've been married over 30 years but don't work any longer. My husband still helps around the house!
You need to object! You can't continue to work that many hours and do everything at home too! How long before you become more and more resentful?
Reply
-
-
13%
navyrunt931 year, 5 months ago
I would not want to be in a work place where a mother has to take off constantly to go tend to her kids because guess who ends up doing her work but she is the one who gets paid for it. That is not right or fair to her co workers or the company to expect them to pay for her absence. I have 2 kids and I work 3rd shift as to not have to worry about day care cuz my husband is home with the kids at night. We both take care of the household chores both inside and outside.
Reply-
0%
elll1 year, 5 months ago
If she still gets paid when she is off "tending to her kids"...that means that she has sick time....yes? So what exactly is your problem??? that she uses her well deserved sick time on her own children, maybe you would rather she call in sick to go shopping or golfing??? Do you use YOUR sick time in a more productive way? And if someone else is doing HER job, then they are getting PAID for it....aren't they?
Reply-
100%
TOtheMOON1 year, 5 months ago
And lets say you are using your 'sick' time to help out with your child's trip to the science museum that you promised to go on 3 months before (or even just taking an unpaid day off). You can be sure you are getting crap from someone at work while you are doing this. But lets say you never take this time to go on these field trips because you don't want to ******-off anyone at work, then the school, other parents, your children are all disappointed (or downright disgusted for 'ignoring' your child) because you aren't there for them. Never mind the incredible guilt you feel missing out on this stuff!! How often do Dad's deal with this? I know it does happen with men, but not NEARLY as often as it does with mom's.
Reply
-
-
0%
PapaWolf1 year, 5 months ago
Sorry, but when my wife or I have to take off to "tend" to our kids, we're expected to make up whatever work we missed. No one is expected to do our work for us.
Reply -
0%
lfergie8121 year, 5 months ago
navyrunt93
"I have 2 kids and I work 3rd shift as to not have to worry about day care cuz my husband is home with the kids at night. We both take care of the household chores both inside and outside."
That is a good arrangement to work separate shifts which my wife and I did when we both worked. The point is, sometimes the career of the couple requires both to be on the same shift so they cannot work different shifts and secondly you have a husband where some of these working moms have lost their husband either by divorce or death so they are stuck with day care.
Reply
-
-
100%
kfolive1 year, 5 months ago
LadySerina -you said happily married???? thats why I am not married anymore!
Reply -
100%
navyrunt931 year, 5 months ago
My husband shares in all the household chores including cooking and this is all by his own doing. I have told him I will take care of cooking but he wont hear of it. He shares equally and be involved with his kids. I could not and would not ask for a better man. He doesnt see household chores as "womans work" but as what has to be done no matter who does it.
Reply-
-
0%
ciera-marie1 year, 5 months ago
housofyum:
You have to remember though that we as parents (if you are a parent) are to teach this to our children both male and female.
Reply
-
-
-
0%
Imadiva1 year, 5 months ago
The problem is that there are a lot of complaints about mothers taking time to be with their children. I say they have the hardest job. And if the mothers (and fathers) are not taking time to raise their children then who is doing it? That is exactly why kids act they way they do now. Because parents are too busy working a job and forgetting that their primary responsibility is to their children! These same people complaining about moms taking off to take care of thier children are the same ones who are the first ones to complain about someone else's child acting crazy in public. I say shut up if you don't have children. You have no clue what it is like to walk in someone else's shoes.
Reply -
0%
worthlesswhiteman1 year, 5 months ago
Hey ..... WAKE UP
Problem is that we work to many damn hours (PERIOD). Solidarity is needed. We won't have solidarity because there is always some assh*le who has to work harder and longer to get the so called edge on the masses. Greed is the real culprit and some people simply do not know when to stop.
Enjoy life, enjoy children and each other, you won't be here for long. But there's always the jerk ass that cannot pull him/herself from the workplace (mainly because they have inferiority complexes).
And as to working women.... why bother having kids if all you can do is complain about how tired you are from work. Learn to address your obligations which means you may have to take a hiatus from the workforce for a few years. (idiots is a woman whose liberation places her beyond the needs of her child).
And as to working men.... there ought to be paid leave so that a man can provide for his child. To spend more than an hour or so after the child has finished homework.
Reply-
0%
alakazam1 year, 5 months ago
I think I take more exception to the name than the commentary.
My, what a terrible confession to make of your nature, that one would choose such a name.
Rather a trite thing to say about it though.
I think his point was that people make decisions in life. If you exercise a bit of responsibility before making long term commitments you tend to walk around a bit less "against the wall".
One thing I have learned in business is that people, though equal under the Law, are not equal in many ways.
In and of themselves some surpass others. It is a fact of life. Higher achievement should merit higher rewards.
Every one should be have the right to excel.
There should be a fair system in place that has no respect for gender whatsoever is the point.
Reply -
-
-
-
0%
itsme21 year, 5 months ago
I am so greatfull that my hus band shares in the housework! OK so he wont do dishes but if thats all im cool with that!
He takes care of the kids for me and helps with everything else so i can finish school and work and that is so important! Every man needs to think of it as a "family responsibility" not just Mommys, heck even my three year old tries to help!
Reply -
0%
Imadiva1 year, 5 months ago
Worthlesswhiteman I agree that men should have more of a fair opportunity to spend time with their children.
But, think about what you are saying. How is a single parent, male or female, going to take a few years hiatus from work to address obligations. How are bills going to get paid? And most of these single parents out here didn't ask to be put in that situation. You need to wake up and open your eyes to reality.
Reply -
0%
