There is a pretty interesting website out there called "Working Mother".  You can link to it here:  http://www.workingmother.com/2007/4/home/eleven-reasons-love-being-working-mom.  The other day I was perusing it, and came across the "11 Reasons Why I love being a working Mom".  This is a very interesting read, I think was first published in 2007.   When I read it, I nodded my head at each one.  And, what I liked about it was it didn't put down, or say why you SHOULDN'T be a stay at home mom....it's just her reasons why she enjoys being in the workforce.  Very open & candid indeed.  So hear is my take on her info:

1. Work is easier than parenting.  This one I'm not sure I agree with, to be honest with you.  I find that both have their challenges, depending on the situation.  Let's face it, work isn't easy.  Dealing with a screaming 5 year old may be easier then dealing with a work situation  ;)  However, I think the message here is, parenting - or, at least the 9 - 5 (or 6, 7, 8) part of parenting - is not for everyone.  That's the keep them occupied part while they are not in school.  That's the constant cleaning up after them part.  That's really the part that is the "job" part of parenting, and that is hard.  All of us know this when we have sick kids at home, and we need to take time off to care for them. Or, we're on vacation!  What I love about being a working mom is that the breaks that you do get to spend with the kids are really quality time....

3.  I'm a good role model.  I believe this, actually.  I think that it's good for BOTH the female & male children to see a mom that works outside the home.  Reason:  I am indiscriminate about dividing up the chores.  My son, as an example, spends the summers cleaning our bathrooms.  I use non-toxic, environmentally friendly products that are safe for him to use.  And, after dinner / kitchen duty are shared between himself & his older sister.  My oldest will re-take on the bathroom tasks in September.  I'm actually paying her $10 / hour to clean the house.  Crazy?  Maybe.  But it gives her freedom to do what she wants with her money, and gets me out of having to do the bathrooms  ;)  Either way, the children know that a household is run by ALL members of the house.  Well, except the youngest.  She apparently gets away with not doing anything.  I should put that on my to-do list to fix ....

5.  I can abandon Stepford-wife standards of housekeeping  I loved this one.  Ok, since we're all friends here, I'll come clean (ha!  get it?)  I do NOT like to clean.  It's really not one of my favourite things.  So, any excuse as to why my house maybe a bit untidy is a good one.  Yes, there are cobwebs (which I try to get when I see them).  Yes, the baseboards may be a bit .... dusty.  Yes, there are probably finger prints on my walls.  & No, my house would NEVER pass the white glove test.  I would rather spend my free time doing something I like to do....Like reading, playing around with the kids, or truth be told, the chauffering between school & sporting events.  Regardless of what the past time is, it's really not spend on ensuring that someone else is satisfied with my home.....

There were a few others as well.  But the net was:  Working outside of the home can make us better, more rounded individuals.  Doesn't detract from those that do stay at home, it just means that we get different experiences that enhance us in different ways. 

But what are your thoughts, and favourites?