Sometimes us girls wish the boys knew what it is like to be us. Life as a working mother can be tenuous and difficult. I talk to a fair number of you and you feel, pretty strongly, that your mate doesn't really understand. Many things just naturally fall to the woman. We find ourselves managing the family calendar and facilitating much of the grocery and cooking duties. We tend to do a higher percentage of gift buying for family/friends and routine cleaning.
Often times the emotional bond is stronger between us and the children since we nurture by nature. Therefore, many times we shoulder emotional burdens for our children. It evolved from a time when women didn't work outside of the home and although the number of working mothers is on the rise--many other traditions have not changed.
We sometimes wish you could see the 'whole' picture of our responsibilities and tasks. Sometimes we are tired and worn out. Sometimes we wish we were you. When you look at us, try to imagine what it is like in our shoes. Try to envision the day we had at the office and the constant seeking of attention from the children (they seek us out more than dad). Visualize a worn out, exhausted lady on the verge of a complete meltdown- and, from what I hear from others (Laugh) this is a pretty actual picture of reality.
So- what am I asking of you? Draw your wife a bath, pour her a glass of wine, light some candles and give her a 3 hour vacation away from you and the kids. You can sweep the children away for one night to give her a break.
Try to 'live' aware of all that she must do and react accordingly. This is what we all wish the boys knew.
Reference:
See the Time Magazine article on the State of the American woman: http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1930277_1930145,00.html Tthis article highlights the many changes that have happended for women in the workplace since the 70's, yet also points out the struggles in managing it all...
"At times it seems as if the only women effortlessly balancing their jobs, kids, husbands and homes are the ones on TV"