The following is a serious question that I have, because I have a daughter (9years old). Initially, after reading it, I know that people will get red hot, and procede to flame me, however, I do ask it in all seriousness...
When we send our daughters off to college, are we buying into the Feminazi belief that a career is more important then being a wife and homemaker?
When we send our daughters off to college doesn't that put them into the rat race of having to get a job to pay off the debts.
My wife, bless her soul, has been a stay at home mom for the last 13 years. Only recently, has she taken some part-time jobs. She did so because all the kids were in school, and she could still be home when they got home. In all of her part time jobs she worked with other women who had degrees but were doing the same job as her for the same pay.
These other women HAD to work to pay off college/house/cars. Because we bought our house and cars based on my income alone, we didn't start out in the crunch that most couples find themselves in.
IMHO, I think part of the problem begins when parents and girls buy into the idea that they must go to college, then the debt/rat race begins.
Sincerely (flame away)
No flames, but I think higher education is great for future stay-at-home moms too.
An educated mother might be a bit better mother, since all learning begins at home--and her education level will probably correlate with her children's education level, and hence their future "success," whether in the work force or also in the home.
No flames. I am college educated and treasure that experience. I have a very curious mind and hate to think what my life would have been without my education.
However, I believe to this day that motherhood is more important than career. In fact, I left a good career when I was left alone with a child. I worked, but her schedule always came first. No woman, or man for that matter, knows what the future may bring. What if a woman has a number of children and is a stay-at-home mom (good for them) and the husband dies. Or leaves. What then?
I think there is a HUGE problem in this country about motherhood not being respected. But I don't think it is because women are college educated. That may contribute to it for women already disposed to think that way, but I think the real problem is a lack of respect for life. And selfishness.
People are different. If your daughter wants to go to college, then I think you should help her. If she doesn't want to go, then I wouldn't try to convince her, if you think that's the right action for her.
My daughter is living at home and I would strongly recommend to most parents to consider that, if they are near a suitable college.
Consider those skills to be a great plan B. I permit my wife to have a job. We don't need the income, but I had cancer in 1985. I'm still here, but that could change with an airplane crash on a business trip or while actually flying for work related tasks. I've paid off the mortgage, stashed lots of cash for retirement and carry a good term life insurance policy. Still, there are ongoing costs. Our property taxes eat $3,400 per year. Utilities eat about $250 month. That pesky habit of eating takes money too. Her employment will ensure more than enough income to keep the house and live comfortably.