Change of plans

I was going to blog today about poverty in Martin County. It is a rampant problem only getting worse in these economic times. But then I read the comments to my story on Mug-N-Muffin Mommas.

What could someone possibly say that is bad about a group of moms who realized they needed a change and went out and did it. No complaining, no whining, no plopping their kids in front of the T.V. while they ate bon-bons.

They found a way to educate themselves, socialize their children, and make some friends. It seems like a feel good story of the year.

But the comments were critical, accusing the women of being sexist (not allowing men in) and whiners (recognizing their work is difficult and seeking to get better at it).

I am astounded.

If any other group of professionals sought to continue their education through continuing ed classes and said it was because times were changing and their jobs were hard, no one would have blasted them. They would be heralded for keeping up their skills. But when mothers consider themselves professionals who deserve to better themselves and their children, they get mocked.

I am a former stay-at-home mom. I spent five years in mom's groups similar to the one I wrote about, and it kept me sane and on top of my parenting game. Many of my closest friends came from these groups. It is hard to be a stay at home mom — for me, it is way harder than working for sure. My husband is a stay-at-home dad now, and some days I feel guilty for leaving him there because I know what he is doing is much more challenging than what I am doing. Parenting is hard for all of us — working or not — and I am personally offended that some of the commenters consider it easy.

I could go on. And to be honest, I did, but I deleted it because then I was starting to sound like I was leaving a comment.

And P.S., I am sure this group would welcome my husband into their arms.