I have never listened to Dr. Laura, nor have I read any of her books. I think this book is an encouraging book for SAHMs to read. This book is NOT for working moms.
This book is exactly what is says, it's "In Praise Of". Not bashing working mothers, but supporting over and over and over and over again those moms that choose to stay home. She shows many letters from listeners who decided to stay home and the difference it makes.
Personally, I think it was a good book for the praise portion. It would NOT be helpful for working mothers. I feel the target audience is those that just made their decision to be a SAHM and are still very unsure, they are not getting husband support, family or friends support. Then this book would be great for them! It is repeatedly supporting SAHMs.
I agree on many aspects of this book. Being a SAHM is HARD. It does not give you monthly reviews, bonuses, deadlines, raises. All the things that we have been used to our entire working lives. I have the best support from my husband, my family and my friends. Even then it was hard to get used to staying home with three babies after working and doing well at my job.
The rewards of being with your children is outstanding! Seeing all their firsts, knowing them and all their stories, needs, fears and loves, and being the one to hold, cuddle, wake them up, put them to bed - it's irreplaceable. Realistically all that is sandwiched in with household chores, discipline, frustrations, loneliness, and sleeplessness.
I think an interesting fact the book talks about is how little of this second income truly ends up in your bank account. Both incomes are taxed at a higher rate since you will be pushed into a higher income bracket. Then take out childcare expenses. Figure in the gas costs, vehicle maintenance for all the extra miles put on the car, work clothing, lunches out, etc and the take home difference is not much more.
If you want to read it, go ahead! If you know a SAHM that is having a hard time, suggest she check her library for a copy of this book. Working mom? Stay away from this book if you have made your final decisions to continue to work while your kids are little. Not that I don't think working moms could get anything out of this book, but it will only be a discouragement and that is not going to be helpful.
Personally, my husband and I made the decision for me to be a SAHM and I would not trade it for the world!
What are YOUR thoughts about this book? Please comment!
![[In Praise of Stay At Home Moms]](http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-DL377_inprai_DV_20090407171502.jpg)
3 comments:
Great review, Denise! This is one of my all-time favorite books and I LOVE Dr. Laura.
I've never listened to Dr. Laura either, but have friends who adore her.
This would probably be great for homeschoolers starting out, too. Many of them were PS teachers who decide to stay home and teach their own children. It's a huge adjustment.
Might be a good gift for in-laws, too. ;~) Mine still think an extra income is worth dropping your kids off everyday. As if I stay around here watching soaps and eating bon bons.
Wendy, I think you should give it to them if they don't understand the importance of what you are doing!!! Crazy people :)
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