Your Mommy-War story for today:
Alberta’s Liberal leader is demanding an apology from Finance Minister Iris Evans, who suggested that in order to raise children “properly” one parent should stay at home while the other goes to work.
“If she really said these things, she must apologize. If she doesn’t apologize, the premier must fire her,” David Swann said in a statement Wednesday. “These are truly outrageous claims. I have never been as stunned by the sheer arrogance and ignorance of the Tories as I am today.
“In a sense, Iris Evans did us all a favour by revealing her contempt for the sacrifices made by hard-working Alberta families.”
[h/t Five Feet of Fury]
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I hope someone asks David Swann to apologize for his contempt for the sacrifices of hard-working families, where one parent decided to stay home to raise their kids. It’s not like they don’t sacrifice anything.
Why is it praise-worthy to send your kids to daycare while you worked to try to support them, and not praise-worthy to put your career on hold to raise them yourself? Perhaps not as many people can afford to do the second option, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a sacrifice. Does he really see no advantage to a parent being present in the formative years of a child’s life?
The comment by Iris Evans is (at worst) insensitive to families who truly have no option but for both parents to work while sending their children to daycare. Implicitly, she is saying they’re not raising their kids properly, when they may not have a choice, and so it could be insensitive. But it is not so outrageous to suggest that one believes, wherever it is possible, it’s best for one parent to be at home with them (whether that’s mom or dad).
“I hope someone asks David Swann to apologize for his contempt for the sacrifices of hard-working families, where one parent decided to stay home to raise their kids. It’s not like they don’t sacrifice anything.”
Exactly, Matthew N.! My husband and I sacrifice in nearly every aspect of our lives so I can stay home with our son. And I agree that perhaps Iris Evans comment could be viewed as insensitive and maybe, just maybe, in need of a little clarification. But an apology or firing for stating the obvious? No, I don’t think so.
I disagree with her comment! She must be fired!
I make around $35G annually, and my wife not only stays home with our children, but she also has bravely tackled homeschooling them as well. We go without a lot of things because of the choice we made, but at the end of the day it is our kids who need us the most. I laugh to myself when I hear people who are clearly too comfortable with their ‘stuff’ talking about how it is impossible for them to live on one income. It isn’t impossible, but it certainly isn’t easy. I feel sympathy for those who cannot make it work with one parent at home but peace in the family is what is most important and if it doesn’t come with one income, then it isn’t the best option I guess.
Hi Brigitte,
I was reading your about The Plan page and about your aim in building women’s rights, which is now not so trendy.
I need to tell that its not that common to find high quality content.
I sent your site address to my friend who is also, in you words “big sister”.
Regards and keep up good work!