21st century motherhood
Re “A Mother’s Day kiss-off,” Opinion, May 13
It amazes me how the current generation of women complains because some are combining their profession with motherhood. Today’s women have a choice: If they want to pursue their careers 100%, then why have children? Female doctors, lawyers and others can have help on the home front, whereas my mother didn’t have any help.
My parents worked long hours during World War II. My dad worked days, my mom nights. My mom did all the housework plus the night job. My parents did it themselves -- no nannies, no personal assistants, no extra help whatsoever. I graduated from USC in 1957. I worked hard for my education and kept a career course along with becoming the mother of a boy. It isn’t easy combining the pressures of a working mom, but with an understanding mate, a woman can have the fulfillment of her career and still be a nurturing mother.
JOAN KERR
Torrance
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I am struggling to understand Leslie Bennetts’ and many American mothers’ choice to blame others, including men and the U.S. government, for their decision to procreate. Although I do believe that the government needs to revisit family-related policies, women (and men) need to approach parenthood as a well-thought-out choice and sometimes a sacrifice of individual “needs” to benefit the family. Perhaps Bennetts should have asked herself these questions: Do I want one child or several children? Even though I want several children, how many can I afford? Can I support my family independently if required? How will my partner and I address the everyday needs of a child? Too often people want first and think later. I believe that we all would benefit from thinking first and then making a decision.
JILL ROPER
San Pedro
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Call me old-fashioned, but I refuse to feel the anger that apparently so many women experience because they were doomed to sacrifice soaring careers to raise a family. When will we see past our own selfish interests in having it all? Why do some women feel that the effort it takes to enjoy their children is any less important than out-earning our spouses?
We have no greater responsibility than funneling all our knowledge and experience into nurturing our children so they become confident, intelligent teens and adults. Even though I have chosen a life of hard work and thankless deeds, I find no greater joy than reveling in the greatest blessing that is my three children.
DEIDRE TANEMAN
Westlake Village
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Re “Scrooge of Mother’s Day,” Opinion, May 12
Even though I hope this Op-Ed article was supposed to be funny, all I can say is, lighten up, Erika Schickel.
I’m sorry about your ruined scarf, but get over it. I don’t know the ages of your children, but I hope they don’t share your cynicism or even know about it. And please don’t worry about “neutered American womanhood” -- we’re smarter (and nicer) than you think, and we’re doing just fine. Happy Mother’s Day, Erika.
CARMELLA CORNETT
Westlake Village
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Schickel is 100% correct. Now if only her sentiment is extended to Father’s Day, Christmas and birthdays, the philosophy is complete. The sooner we all realize the guilt trip created by corporations to shame those who resist the pressure to spend, spend, spend and express our feelings on these holidays without a huge monetary expenditure, the better off we’ll all be.
BUD FINK
Carpinteria