Dr. Sears Revisited
Time Magazine’s controversial May 21st cover photo lured me into reading the accompanying story about attachment parenting. After reading the whole article, the one thing that stuck out to me was this:
“The Seares suggest mothers quit their jobs and borrow money to make up the difference. The couple subsidized their sons’ wives so they could stay home with the Sears grandchildren.”
The notion that one cannot afford to raise a family on a single income is what baffles me.
How about scaling back spending and relishing the simplicity in nurturing a cohesive family?
As summer approaches there is a buzz about coordinating schedules for activities, sports, camps and theme-park vacations - all in order to keep the kids occupied and entertained. To me that sounds rather stressful and expensive.
Maybe we are in the minority, but our family doesn’t make extravagant summer plans. Aside from a couple weddings and family reunions, the next three months are wide open.
We’ll pass the days packing lunch for picnics at the park, trying new recipes to use our locally-grown fresh CSA produce, taking bike rides and running through the sprinkler.
Older people are always telling me how quickly kids grow-up. We’re doing our best to enjoy these child-rearing years by just being together.
I know that my own children love playing both soccer and baseball. I certainly wouldn't want to force them to give one up before they know which sport (if any) they really have a passion for and want to concentrate on exclusively. Tee ball age is definitely too early to decide that baseball is the sport they will pursue. As long as they are having fun, we'll be happy to 'schlep' them to their practices and games as well as spending time playing the sports with them. I don't think that it is stressful or a waste at all. Canceling cable is one of the best moves we have ever made, the only negative is that we can't watch the soccer games at home anymore.
As far as activities, my son was not athletic and actually a klutz. But being in a rural area he thrived with outside activities, helping with the yard work and garden, working for local farmers and neighbors. He picked up skills and an interest in the outdoors at a young age and has carried them into adulthood. Not all kids need structured activities.
To add a twist to this, the baby I carried while I was working is now working for the same company, doing a similar job and will be working swing shift. This after spending 5 years getting his Journeyman plumbing license and ending up with no work. So even being a stay-at-home and him being dependent on me, I must have set a good example. And he wants his wife to be a stay-at-home mom just like his mommy is. I myself did not have a stay-at-home mom. My parents owned a business and farm, so she always had to work. Thing is she took me everywhere with her.