I love watching the Academy Awards. I enjoy good films and appreciate good actors. I agree with most of the talking heads out there that the show was unnecessarily long this year, but I watched all of it. Unlike some of the critics, I enjoyed (and laughed during) the number with Jack Black, John C. Reilly and Will Ferrell. I felt a little (just a tiny bit) annoyed, though, when some of the actresses were asked about their children and seemed irritated that the conversation was actually going to be moving away from them and only them. They didn’t offer much but could have said, “Now let’s get back to me OKAY?!”
Hollywood moms. Some of the ladies seem so eager to have (or adopt) children just so they can…HAVE kids. Arm trophies? Is that what they’re called?
I’m trying hard to be open minded and open hearted (so to speak) about all working moms. Those that have to work? Well, my heart goes out to them. I feel sorry for them (especially if they would otherwise stay at home with their children).
Those that choose their careers over their kids? Well…come on now. I think they’re kidding themselves if they say their children are their priority. Frankly, I think it’s okay for them to admit that they enjoy their careers, because in many cases it’s better for everyone that they stay there. Some people are just not cut out to manage kids’ lives and spend a lot of time with them. No offense intended. I understand that some folks really have a difficult time coming down from their ivy towers long enough to be silly and simple with their kids. Parents really need to step out of their career/at-the-office frames of mind to relate with and have patience for kids. It can be hard to switch off that uber-intellectualism.
I’m actually glad that some moms continue their careers. The world would be a much less fabulous place if Meryl Streep stayed at home with her kids and opted out of acting. I mean, she’s an extraordinary actress and brings something so fantastic to the world. She seems to love her kids and to be devoted to them when not working on films (or other projects). I’m sure many would say she’s a great mom, right? I’m not about to judge her mothering. I value her acting and am glad she continues to grace us with her God given gift. Really. She was remarkable in “Devil Wears Prada.” She’s talented beyond words. But would you say her children are her priority? She’s probably not the best example of the point I’m trying to make, because I think she actually does try to spend a good deal of time with her family.
How about Britney Spears? Perhaps a better example to make my point. Okay, arguably not fair because the girl’s going through difficult, trying times right now. How about Gwyneth Paltrow and Apple? Was she thinking about her daughter when she chose that name?
Bottom line? I just wish moms who choose to work outside the home (as clearly distinguished from parents who have no choice because of limited financial means) would acknowledge that they enjoy their careers and choose their careers over what I would call full-involvement parenting. I also wish they would have the decency to acknowledge the sacrifice that stay at home moms make when they make the choice to be home with their children and make the children the priority.
As for me, I can proudly tell people that, yes, I gave up the practice of law to make my children my priority. My heart sings as the words come out of my mouth. I admit it took several years to get to that point, but I’m there. And I’m glad.
