Do You DIY? Women Taking Up the Tools
Many decades ago, do-it-yourself for women meant sewing, crafting, and perhaps a little painting. There were new forms of painting such as crackle painting, sponge painting, and even a little bit of stenciling thrown in there as well.
Going to a garage sale and refurbishing something with a can of spray paint or making a wreath or floral arrangement made up a do-it-yourself project for women, too.
Today, however, more and more women are taking up tools and really doing it themselves in a big way. If you have ever thought about doing it yourself with tools on a particular project, there really is nothing to be intimidated about, as women all over the world are taking up tools.
Starting Out with Do-It-Yourself Projects
One of the best ways around to acclimate yourself to do-it-yourself projects is to get an education on the subject. There are several ways that you can arm yourself not only with the right tools, but also with an education on do-it-yourself projects.
Take a class or two – There are so many home décor and home centers around that offer workshops in do-it-yourself projects. This is a great way to meet like-minded women interested in learning new projects. It is also a wonderful place to start since many of the projects are simple and easy to do, leaving no room for intimidation.
In these workshops, you will learn to use basic tools. You may also learn how to follow simple do-it-yourself instructions, as well as some terminology. For example, there are different size screws and types of screwdrivers you can learn about as you go along.
Watch Popular Television Shows
There is no better way to learn about do-it-yourself projects than to watch the popular home shows on television. There are categories for doing it yourself over the weekend, how to shows on painting, remodeling, decorating, and even building up and out on your home’s exterior.
Subjects from kitchens and bathrooms to gardens and sunrooms are a great way to learn about doing things yourself and the how-to aspect of it all.
Ask for Help
If you have a man around the house and he is handy, join in the fun with him. Ask him questions; get acquainted with how and why he does things around the house. Sit and watch and chat for a while with him, put on your carpenter pants and then join him.
Let him know that you have an interest in learning how to do it yourself! Then, you can ask for that hot pink set of tools you saw in the home store as your next surprise gift.
These are just a few ways to learn all about the tools of the trade when it comes to women taking up tools for do-it-yourself projects.
Do Women Need Protein Drinks?
There’s always a new fad: sometimes it’s low-fat, sometimes low-carb. Sometimes it’s high protein, next month it’s low sugar. There are snack bars and healthy drinks linked to all of these trends. One of the latest is a protein drink for women called Wello. Do women really need this?
Experts say that the average person needs between 0.5 and 1g of protein per pound of body weight, which averages to between 45-60g of protein per day. Other experts specify 70-140g of protein per day for the average 140-pound woman. So although it’s apparent that experts agree to disagree, a few things are clear: those who are body building and wish to repair or rebuild muscle need more protein, as do those undergoing stress, including illness, radiation or pregnancy. What about the typical healthy woman?
Experts say up to one third of women between the ages of 20-40 don’t get the recommended daily allowance of protein. They say that many women in this age bracket are busy working mothers or single ladder-climbers who don’t often take the time to eat the requisite amount of protein. Many of them are not only busy, but also counting calories – without careful planning, this can lead to eating less protein. Most protein-filled items aren’t as easy to carry in your purse as, say, a 100-calorie pack of your favorite snack cracker or even an apple. Because of reasons like this, protein often goes on the back burner so to speak.
Protein is important for building muscles and bones and building and repairing tissues. It can help keep skin and hair vibrant, and can help promote weight loss without muscle loss. Some high-protein foods include non-fat Greek yogurt (15g protein), lentils (17g), lean flank steak (31g), yellow fin tuna (33g) and roasted chicken (32g).
Although proteins are found in many foods, not all proteins are equal. It’s important to eat a “complete protein.â€
Cranberry Walnut Relish
½ cup of sugar
¼ cup of dark brown sugar
¼ cup of maple syrup
¾ cup of water
1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon of nutmeg
1 pound of cranberries
4 oranges, peeled, divided into segments and chopped
½ cup of chopped walnuts
Combine the sugars, maple syrup, water, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium pot. Bring this to a boil over high heat. Add the cranberries and allow them to simmer, uncovered, until the cranberries pop, about 5 minutes.
Remove the mixture from the heat. Add the orange segments and stir. Allow the mixture to cool slightly and then add walnuts, stirring until well blended. Chill before serving.
Divorce – How to Hang on to Your Dignity
Sadly, when a divorce happens, one or both parties often feel humiliated and embarrassed. You may feel like you’ve lost your dignity, especially when your divorce includes an angry, difficult ex-spouse. Additionally, if you’re being divorced against your will, you can say and do some things that may feel very humiliating later.
Whether you want the divorce or not, getting through it with dignity is the best approach. Here are some tips on how to hang on to your dignity during a divorce.
1. Don’t Chase, Beg, Plead, etc.
If your spouse is leaving you and proceeding with a divorce against your will (or even without your knowledge at first), then you may feel absolutely desperate. You don’t want the divorce, you didn’t see this coming, and you feel like you’ll do anything to keep it from happening.
This is when the dignity might walk out the door along with your spouse if you don’t keep a level head.
It’s okay to feel devastated and desperate; it just might not be the best idea to act on those feelings. It’s tempting to plead, beg, make promises, compromise your principles, and a host of other things that will make you cringe when you look back on them. Instead, take some time to think before you approach your spouse. If you can see a mediator or counselor before engaging your spouse, that’s even better.
2. Make Reasonable Suggestions
You don’t have to show your desperation by getting emotionally messy in front of your spouse. Instead, make some reasonable suggestions to him/her, such as calmly noting that you really do not want the marriage to end, and that you’d like to try counseling or therapy before pursuing a divorce. Or state how you feel without coming apart.
You don’t have to keep from showing all emotion, of course; that’s not possible or even a good idea (your spouse may then think you don’t care about his/her decision to divorce). The key is to keep your emotions from running amok and resulting in undignified behavior.
3. Let Someone Else Talk to Your Spouse
Your pastor, Rabbi, counselor, mutual friend (tread carefully with this one), mediator, or some other qualified individual might speak to your spouse on your behalf. The third party won’t have the emotional messiness that you and/or your spouse might have, and this person might get through to the other party.
4. If the Divorce Is Both Parties’ Decision
Even if you aren’t being divorced against your will, you may still need to think about preserving your dignity. For example:
5. Don’t Put Your Kids in the Middle
While it’s a standard divorce no-no, people still do this – sometimes without even realizing it. Your kids might resent you if they think you’ve kept them from seeing their mom/dad. Don’t talk to your kids about the other parent, either, unless you want to share a funny story or something else they may like to hear. Never confide in your kids or unload your feelings on them. That’s too much for a kid to take.
Divorce is rarely easy. But if you keep a level head and think about what you’re doing, you can still preserve your dignity through it all.
Delegating for Moms
Sometimes it seems like the household chores are never-ending. But before you get too overwhelmed, consider: who said all those chores had to be done by Mom? There are quite a few items on that to-do list that can and should be delegated – as a matter of fact, delegating will help your kids in the long run.
First, consider what your youngest children are capable of doing around the house. Young children often love setting the table and learning where to place the knife, fork, spoon, napkin, plate, and cup. They also like to help with cooking – let them break the spaghetti, stir the soup, or sprinkle the cheese on top.
The sense of contribution is so clear for them. Kids this age can help clear the table and rinse or wash the plates. Some people prefer to load the dishwasher themselves, but why not simply teach your child how to do it? It’s one less thing for you and many hands make a light load.
Small children can help sort laundry and carry it to the laundry room. It may be that you prefer to actually add the soap and select the settings so that those great summer white pants don’t turn pink. But someday your child will make the same mistake – why not learn at home? Folding laundry is something all children can do. Your youngest can begin with simple things like dish towels and socks and then move up to t-shirts, jeans and bed sheets.
Your children should also be able to care for the pets. They can ensure there is food and fresh water available, change the kitty litter, walk the dog, change the water in the fishbowl, and clean that hamster cage.
As your children get older, they can help with yard work. Smaller children make excellent weed pullers and are happy to learn the difference between a weed and a flower. Almost any child can rake leaves or shovel snow. Kids twelve and up enjoy big-kid job of pushing the mower.
Older kids also love learning about cars: how to change the tire, how to change the oil, and so on. They also are ready to help out with ladder-oriented chores such as cleaning the gutters, small roof repairs, sawing branches (with close supervision) and even helping to build a shed or (again with supervision) cut firewood.
The reason for delegating your work is two-fold: it helps both you and your children. Your job as a parent is to do those things that only a parent can do: keep your children safe, teach your children to become responsible adults, and give them a strong sense of self-worth.
Delegating household chores will give your children a sense of responsibility, a sense of accomplishment and teach them valuable lessons they will need for adulthood. So, in essence, it’s your job to teach them how to do these chores so that one day they are able to do them and also learn from your example that they should delegate to their own children.
Could You Start a Business Empire from Your Kitchen?
Have you ever considered starting a business empire from your kitchen? Decades ago, start-up businesses that began in someone’s kitchen were all the rage. Desktop publishing, businesses centered on gift baskets, and crafting were huge potential markets for a start-up business.
However, things have changed a bit (well, maybe more than a bit) since that time. Start-up businesses are more in tune with technology and most especially in tune with the growing needs of women in today’s world.
More and more individuals during this time are focused on putting the 9 to 5 routine behind them and creating innovative businesses that not only free up their time, but also are also lucrative and give back to community as well.
Here are a few of those ideas:
1. Copywriting
What is a copywriter? A copywriter is an individual who writes “copyâ€
Cranberry Cream Scones
2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour
¾ cup of sugar, plus extra, for dusting
2 teaspoons of baking powder
½ teaspoon of salt
¼ teaspoon of ground cloves
6 tablespoons of cold butter, cut into small cubes
1 cup of heavy cream
¾ cup of fresh cranberries
1 egg, lightly beaten
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet and set it aside.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cloves. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter until the mixture resembles coarse bread crumbs. Add the cream and cranberries. Mix this until just combined.
Roll the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough about 5 times. Roll it into a 6 or 7-inch circle. Place the dough on the prepared baking sheet and cut it into 6 wedges. Brush the top of the dough with beaten egg and sprinkle the top with the additional sugar. Bake the scones until they are light golden, about 15 to 17 minutes.
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. They are best if served warm.
Know Whom to Call: How to Build Your Resources before You Need Them
If you’ve ever babysat, the parents probably went over a list of emergency phone numbers before they left for the evening. They didn’t expect you to thumb through the phone book or get online to find whom to contact if something went wrong. That’s because it just takes too long and besides, you might end up losing time and money.
Unfortunately, the unexpected is something you can, well, expect. From natural disasters to traffic accidents to leaking roofs, it’s hard to scramble and find a suitable resource if you have to start from the ground up.
That’s why it’s a good idea to have a list of resources available before you need them. Here are some tips on how to do that.
1. Take an Assessment – Your Home
Yes, this will take a little time, but the point is to save time in the end. If you are a homeowner, make a list of potential needs, such as: a contractor, chimney sweep, heating and cooling repair, roofer, tree removal, septic system cleaning, plumber, etc. Some of these are common to most homes; others are more specialized. It all depends on what your home has and where it is.
If you rent, you’ll still need to assess what you may need in an emergency besides just your landlord’s number. He or she may not be available when you need them.
2. Take an Assessment – Personal Needs
Do you have pets? Elderly parents? Children? Are you single, married, divorced? Every situation is different, so you need to assess your personal situation to determine what you need. If you have pets, have the name and number of someone who can take on their care in the event of an emergency. For elderly parents who need care, you’ll need to find someone who can act as “back up” if you can’t care for them (the same is true for children, especially if you are single).
3. Review Your Insurance
Whether you rent or own, it’s important to know what your insurance covers and what it does not. You can save yourself a lot of time and frustration by knowing ahead of time how your insurance policy works. And if you like, you can make any necessary changes before something happens.
Keep the number of your insurance company, along with your policy number, handy (store it in your mobile phone if you can).
4. Know Your Utility Companies
Often, utility companies will be the ones you need to call to repair a particular item. Your electric power company’s contact information, for instance, should be stored on your mobile phone so you can call them when the power is out. Phone, internet, heating and cooling, etc. – you should have the contact information and your account numbers for each stored in an accessible place. You don’t want to be rummaging for the latest bill in an emergency.
5. Ask Others
Don’t forget your most available resource: other people. They are the ones who can give you a good or bad review on the local contractor or repairman, and they can connect you with other friends and family who can help.
As you create your resource list, make sure you store all the information in one place. Now you’re ready!
The Top Five Basic Tools Every Home Should Have
There’s no getting around the fact that tools are needed for everyday home maintenance. But they can get expensive, and it’s easy to end up with too many tools that don’t offer much help.
So sometimes it’s good to get down to the basics. Here are the top five basic tools every home should have.
1. Hammer
There’s no doubt about it – a hammer is one of the most important tools you can have around the house. The most versatile type of hammer is a claw hammer, which has two flat prongs on the end through which you can pry out a nail. The claw can also work to pry other things, like tiles from a bathroom wall or linoleum from the kitchen floor.
2. Screwdrivers – Phillips and Flat Head
These days, you can’t even change batteries on a kid’s toy without a screwdriver. And you’ll need a set of each – they usually come in three sizes, so you’ll need six screwdrivers. The uses for these tools around the house are too numerous to list here, but everything from assembling furniture kits to hanging pictures requires a screwdriver.
3. Needle-Nose Pliers
You’ll find more uses for this tool. Needle-nose pliers can be used for anything from making jewelry to working on your home’s wiring. A couple of sizes won’t hurt – sometimes the smaller size is good for tight places. The larger ones are excellent for any job where you need to grasp and move something within a small space.
Some needle-nose pliers come with a wire-cutting blade at the base near the plier’s hinge. This makes a 2-for-1 tool if you can find it. Speaking of wire cutters…
4. Wire Cutters
Even if you have the cutters on the needle-nose pliers, it’s a good idea to have another set of wire cutters as well. You can more easily “nip” a wire in a tight place if you need to without the “nose” of the pliers in the way. Wire cutters are very handy, even for decorating (like cutting floral wire).
5. Tape Measure
A good tape measure with a lock feature (so the tape doesn’t whiz back into the case the moment you take your finger off of it) is indispensable around the house. You’ll use this tool to center pictures, measure furniture, and determine the size of your house’s rooms and/or yard. If you’re thinking about getting windows replaced, fencing put in, carpeting put down, or any similar job, you’ll need a tape measure.
These are just the top five – feel free to add on more as you think of them! But it’s good to start with the basics.
Barbie Sales Are Down Is This a Body Image Shift?
Dolls have traditionally served as pretend infants for children to care for. That concept changed in 1955 when businesswoman Ruth Handler noticed that her daughter, Barbara, was playing with her paper dolls and changing their clothes if they were adults.
In spring 1959, the Barbie doll was born. Girls across the world played with the thin and beautiful doll marketed as a teen fashion model, much to the chagrin of parents who noticed the girls desired to attain Barbie’s impossible body proportions. However, in July 2013, Mattel announced that its income fell 24% after four straight quarters of declines in Barbie sales. Could this be a result of a body image shift?
A 2006 study conducted by the University of Sussex found that among girls exposed to Barbie, a more full-figured doll named Emme, or no doll at all, the girls who were exposed to Barbie did in fact have a stronger desire to be thin and a lower sense of self-esteem. However, other studies have found that arguments over body image seem to come squarely from the parents. The girls (and boys) who play with Barbies see the toy simply as a vehicle for their own imaginations and can come up with any story lines they want – not necessarily the posh and glamorous lifestyles some parents project upon the toys.
One obvious reason for a decline in Barbie sales could be the economy. With jobless rates still high, constant concern over the economy and job stability could be causing some parents to consider their purchases carefully. Like it or not, Barbie is one item that becomes a luxury in the shopping cart.
Nevertheless, the fact that Mattel’s Monster High Dolls and the American Girl dolls are still successful might suggest a tide change on the Barbie Doll front. Taking a look at the Monster High dolls, they’re similar to Barbie in size, but a little more alternative – a little more punk rock. American Girl dolls, on the other hand, have virtually no adult features and thus there are no body image issues to fear. They also reflect a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds and come with stories about the girls’ ability to overcome obstacles and achieve success — a message any mother or aunt would love to see the girls in their lives read about.
Still, a decline in Barbie sales could be a victory for feminists. Recently toymakers have been addressing the need for girls to take an interest in math, science and engineering at an earlier age and they are marketing toys that will build interest. Toymakers are now marketing girls everything from pink and purple Legos to toys that allow a girl to engineer and design products described in a read-along book.
Based on these observations, perhaps there is something about Barbie that is just behind the times. Nevertheless, the dolls are still on the shelves and nostalgic collectors still come out in droves to purchase this doll. And although more and more youngsters are beginning to use electronics as a source of entertainment, Mattel has that covered: This holiday season Mattel will market an interactive horse accessory for Barbie and her friends, a Barbie Digital Makeover Mirror which converts an iPad into an interactive mirror, and a Barbie Digital Dress Doll that allows girls to use an LED screen and touch technology to customize Barbie outfits.
Perhaps Barbie is here to stay, but at least today’s girls are getting a variety of options to bring the dolls into the twenty-first century.
Candied Pumpkin Spice Pecans
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups pecan halves
Place the cubed butter into a large heavy skillet and heat until the butter is just melted. Add the sugar to the butter and cook the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved. Reduce the heat under the skillet and cook the sugar and butter mixture until it turns amber. This will take about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir the mixture occasionally.
Add the pumpkin pie spice and vanilla to the sugar mixture. Stir and then add the pecans. Stir the pecans for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until the pecans are thoroughly coated. Spread the pecans out onto a sheet of aluminum foil to cool. Break the pecans up if they are clumped together and store in an airtight container. This will make 2 cups of pecans.
Balancing Your Life When You’re Taking Care of Elderly Parents
In this day and age, people are waiting longer to have children and as a general rule, people live longer lives than in the past. These factors, plus the cost of nursing care, mean more and more parents of young kids are taking care of their elderly parents at the same time.
In addition, some parents find themselves taking care of grandchildren and elderly parents at the same time. And even those who have no one else to care for except their elderly parents can get very burnt out.
How do you maintain balance? Here are some tips on balancing your life when you’re taking care of elderly parents.
1. Make a Schedule
One of the traps it’s easy to fall into is the “I have to be with my parent every minute” trap. Every minute you’re not with your elderly parent you feel like you should be. This results in never enjoying your time away from them! And you do have to take some time away from them.
Every situation is different, of course; but it’s helpful to sit down and work out a schedule of visiting and helping. If you need to hire someone or call on a friend or family member to watch your folks while you get away, do so (more on that later). The point is, for your peace of mind, go ahead and schedule in “away” time so you can recuperate. Only you know how much or little you need, but some time away every day is ideal. No need to feel guilty – you scheduled this “you time” in, remember?
2. Seek Out Friends and Family
Not everyone can afford to hire someone to care for their elderly parents. And even if you can afford it, it’s hard to find someone reputable. As well as that, many elderly folks do not want a stranger to be helping. So now is the time to call on your community – fellow churchgoers, family (even extended family), friends, neighbors…anyone whom you know to be reliable and capable.
If you don’t have family close by, try to make arrangements for them to come into town on a regular basis. You could even send your elderly parent to the other family’s home for a while, and trade caregiving responsibilities.
It’s okay to ask for help. You can’t do this alone, nor should you be expected to.
3. Counseling
Caring for an elderly parent can be overwhelming. Consider talking to a counselor about it each week or month. It can really help to “vent,” and the counselor can help you discover some coping strategies.
There’s no doubt that this is a significant time in your life. Some think of it as “giving back,” while others just think of it as their duty. However you approach it, finding balance while taking care of elderly parents is key.
Are You a “Sharent”?
Many new terms and slang phrases come out on a daily basis, but one of the more interesting and more in-depth slang phrases around is the term “sharent.” Bascially, a “sharent” is a person (whether mom or dad) who goes around sharing tidbits, nuances, photos, and basically every single little thing that their child or baby does.
While being a “sharent” may fulfill the need to express the interesting, cute, adorable, and even not-so-cute things a baby or child does, it may be different from the child’s point of view or even those that are subjects of listening to it all, all the time.
There are two sides to every story. While being a “sharent” may be fun and games for a new mom or dad, there may be side effects on the child as he or she grows.
The Up Side of Being a “Sharent”
The up side of being a “sharent” is that you will most likely find yourself surrounded by other like-minded individuals in the form of equal “sharents.” Finding a community that shares the same interests, likes, and dislikes is always a good feeling. Being a “sharent” is similar to joining a Mothers’ Club. You share nuances, photos, and stories that are similar in time and space as to what you are currently going through.
Being a “sharent” is also beneficial in that it provides useful tips and advice coming your way. You can also share things that do not work for you and things that do work for you, as well.
The Downside of Being a “Sharent”
And then there is the dark side of being a “Sharent.” There are those who will think, feel, and believe that your being a “sharent” is offering too much information or worse yet, way too much information.
Some “sharents” will take pictures of the most inappropriate things and share situations that are completely embarrassing to his or her child in the future.
Embarrassing stories about thumb sucking or bed-wetting all have the possibility of being mortifying to a future young child or, worse yet, young adult.
Some individuals really do not wish to hear every detail about your baby’s spit-up or toddler’s potty training efforts.
Moreover, your baby will one day be a young adult who will not want all these stories, no matter how cute you may think they are at the time, out and about for the whole world to see.
Don’t forget that anything in cyberspace stays in cyberspace, permanently, and can appear at any given time – perhaps the worst possible time.
So, if you find yourself sharing the usual photos and cute stories, more than likely you are not a “sharent.” However, if you find yourself obsessed with posting every snapshot of every microsecond – even the not-so-pretty nuances babies come with – you can consider yourself a full-fledged “sharent.”
Apps for Women
Is there an app for that? With so many, if not all, women working outside the home, it is no wonder that the app has become her new best friend for life. There is an app for just about anything a woman can dream up and then some.
Apps make a woman’s life so much easier, but there are so many apps to choose from that it can be confusing, even overwhelming. The best thing to do is to search for apps that are pertinent to your lifestyle.
For example, if you know that you are rarely home to cook, perhaps an app for simple meals on the run would work for you. Or, if you are like most women who walk, talk, and think at the same time, there are even apps for remembering things, notes, and recordings.
If you have a need for it, there is more than likely an app for it. Downloading a mobile app to your phone can be a lifesaver, especially for busy moms who work.
Here are a few examples of the top most-loved apps around for women:
Evernote
If you have an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad, then you will love Evernote. Evernote organizes your day by helping you to organize and keep track of all things important and minute. You know that receipt you wanted to hold on to, or that blog you wanted to read “later,â€
Apple Cranberry and Pecan Stuffing
1-1/2 cups of 100% apple juice
2 tablespoons of butter or margarine
1 package (6 ounces) stuffing mix for chicken
1 small apple, chopped
½ cup of cranberries
¼ cup toasted, chopped pecans
Place the juice and butter in a medium saucepan. Bring this to a boil over high heat.
Add the stuffing mix and fruit, stirring lightly. Cover the pan with a lid and remove it from the heat.
Allow the stuffing to stand for five minutes. Uncover and stir in the chopped pecans.
A Room of One’s Own: Why Women with Families Are Still Losing Out
When Virginia Woolf wrote “A Room of One’s Own,” she delved into the difficult issues of women’s inequality and intellectual suppression. She also touched on the subject of money, pointing out that without it, women are dependent on men and their intellectual potential cannot flourish. That was in 1929, but it’s still relevant. Women are still losing out, particularly women with families.
Depending on what source you consult, women make anywhere from 16% to 30% less than men in the workforce. In addition, women’s retirement pay is approximately 1/3 the retirement pay for men, and women are more likely to live in poverty than men.
Why is this? Why are women with families still losing out?
There’s no one answer to this, but there are multiple factors that come into play.
Childcare
This is one of the hot buttons when it comes to women in the workforce and their families. The early part of the 21st century saw a small female demographic leave the workforce in favor of the home life, but low-income women who could not afford childcare also left, largely unnoticed. And the low-income women who left were in far greater numbers than the wives of well-off husbands who left and garnered publicity for it.
In fact, this small demographic earned a moniker – The Opt-Out Generation – for opting out of the workforce and choosing to stay home with their children. They chose to leave the working world because they did not have to be there income-wise.
Income notwithstanding, the uncomfortable fact is that some women are just not comfortable with others raising their children, workforce or not. So women with children seem to be in a lose-lose situation: either someone else gets paid to raise your kids, or you lose your job, income, and possibly your sense of self-worth to stay home with them.
Returning to Work
Many women return to the workforce when their kids are older. But the overwhelming majority of these women earn much less than they did before leaving, even if they made excellent money before. Sometimes, this is by choice; women might prefer the lower-key, part-time, flexible work that allows them to keep a “foot” at home. Other times, it’s just the way things seem to pan out when women return to the workforce – they just can’t pick up where they left off.
Housework
Here’s another bone of contention among working women. They lose out because they have the “second shift” when they get home. While the husband often relaxes on the couch after his day at work, the woman cooks dinner and tries to catch up on the housecleaning and the laundry.
Sometimes, the dream to “have it all” ends in disillusionment.