An Educated Woman

An issue resurfacing during this past Mother's Day weekend was the ol' stay-at-home vs. working mother debate. I won't pass judgment on anyone else's life choices. Each woman has to do what is right for herself and her children.

No longer is the issue only "if" and "should" a mother stay home with her children, nor how fulfilled she feels either way. No, now it extends into should an educated woman stay home with her kids. The premise seems to be that a college-educated woman who stays home with her kids offers nothing to society (what - a parent who is attentive to her child provides nothing to society by emphasizing education, and keeping her kids off drugs and away from crime?!). Awhile ago, I actually read with disbelief a blog post (since removed) where the (female) writer stated that a seat in college was wasted if it was occupied by a woman who eventually planned to stay home with her children.

I cannot see where an educated parent is not contributing to society. A woman with any college degree is a better person, whether she is a parent or not. As a mother, she can impart knowledge to her child about the subjects she studied, but there is so much more. She can appreciate differences and get along with others due to the variety of teachers and classmates she met in college. She can intelligently research any subject and have more perspective in making a decision. She can be open to new ideas and technology.

Not everyone is able to get a college education. Those who can, should. Whether they use the knowledge in the professional world or not is inconsequential. They have still broadened their horizons, which makes them a better person. And their children can only benefit. And if their children benefit, society benefits.