These Moms Are Motivated More by Economics Than Parenting

I was excited to learn that there seems to be a trend toward educated women choosing to postpone career pursuits in favor of full-time motherhood (“Mommy, Me and an Advanced Degree,” Jan. 6).

Could it be that these professionally trained moms are finally realizing the value of consistent care taking for their developing infants?

Not according to the article. The decision seems to be primarily a matter of economics (“a lagging economy”) and personal preoccupations (“the horror of watching so many working professionals perish in the terrorist attacks” or “it isn’t worth it to work even part-time if it means missing her son’s rapid growth”).

Where does the importance of the parent-child bond to the infant’s basic sense of trust and healthy self-esteem fit in? Apparently, from the point of view of the New Millennium Mom, it’s still “all about me.”

SANDY HOTCHKISS

Licensed clinical social worker

Pasadena