Bless those ladies (and gents) because without volunteers, non-profits that do so much in our communities would be in dire straights.
I have worked outside the home all my adult life in the corporate, non-profit and local government world. I supported myself and raised two kids.
My daughter has been a teacher and is now a “stay at home Mom” of three kids under the age of five. If you think THAT is not work, try babysitting them for just one day!
Having served on a local Children and Families Commission for many years, I know that the first five years of life are the most important developmentally. Neglect and abuse during that period of time can actually shrink the physical brain - affecting development for the rest of that child's life. [ http://www.childtrauma.org/ ]
I also know that, in lieu of quality parent time, long term studies have recently shown that children who receive early Head Start and other developmental programs are more likely to graduate from high school and less likely to enter the jail population that peers of the same economic class who have not. [http://www.nhsa.org/files/static_page_files/0610CCDD-1D09-3519-ADAF419AF96C38E0/Head_Start_Return_On_Investment_Brief_LAS-yv.pdf]
Quality time from parents in literacy, numbers, appropriate behavior, sports, arts and other skills will lay a wonderful foundation upon which that child can grow into a healthy teen and adult. I would say that it is definitely a job and a demanding one at that.
The early years are also where children gain what is called “emotional literacy.” I believe that the preponderance of the evidence shows that attention given to the parenting and development of young children in their first five years has tremendous pay back in the success of that child as an adult in society and the decreased likelihood that they will require public assistance, court, mental health or other assistance.
Amen to every bit of what you said. God bless you for your commitment to your family and yto our society and the betterment of it, and Gpod bless your Mom for the same.
I hold my wife in the highest regard because when she waas scik and had to have operations for cancer in her thyroid and was in hospital for periods of time, I took leave and stayed home taking care of our five kids while also being by her side as much as I could.
I know for a fact that she, all these years, has worked far harder than I had it at the office and I thank God for her and the difference it has made to our kids.
I pray we overcome these leftist/liberal/elitists who look down their nose at Moms in general, and particularly those who are trying to raise thier kids in a traditional, moral environment. God bless you each for all you do!