tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post5912815266706376395..comments2024-02-13T05:20:46.558-05:00Comments on A CUP OF JO: My Balance: Jen Green from AnthropologieJoanna Goddardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18109285188206811042noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-50440976608749949722012-10-09T06:11:43.901-04:002012-10-09T06:11:43.901-04:00I've read the comments under the article and I...I've read the comments under the article and I am surprised by the judgements being passed. They come in two different versions: stay at home mom vs. working mom, and constructive criticism vs over-sensitive. <br />I am a strong believer in doing what is best for your family. Sometimes it is a better fit if the mother stays at home and sometimes it is better for her to work outside the home. <br />I am currently 39 weeks pregnant and can't wait to have a year at home with my son, but plan to work after that. I am the kind of person who needs an intellectual and creative outlet to be my best self, yet do not feel the need to tell all other women to be the same way.<br />As for the critical, 'mean' comments being complained about - I really don't know to what posts you are referring . Please tell me you can differentiate between a difference of opinion and 'being mean'. People should feel free to speak their minds without feeling shamed for their perspective.<br />On a more general note, I too would prefer a more diverse range of women being profiled. I find these interviews interesting, but they are discussing the challenges of being an upper-middle class, educated, married mother. I don't doubt the validity of their challenges, yet I do want to hear about women who have less income and education; women who work shifts or multiple jobs.Katie: writer, reader, daydreamerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05033714099272977193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-7829333474464456522012-08-13T07:20:39.984-04:002012-08-13T07:20:39.984-04:00Hello Joana,
Very interesting post, but I´d like...Hello Joana, <br /><br />Very interesting post, but I´d like read something about singles mothers.<br /><br />Maybe next time?<br /><br /> Thanks, <br /> A kiss from Spain.Gema barranconoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-52148595214868862302012-07-10T09:28:06.089-04:002012-07-10T09:28:06.089-04:00I've been away, so am just beginning reading t...I've been away, so am just beginning reading this series - nice to be able to read it all at once!<br />But yikes - from here moving forward, I'm avoiding the Comments section. How sad and disturbing to read all of these back-and-forth comments. I don't know why women (particularly in US) feel motherhood is some kind of competition, like there is a Right and Wrong. Why aren't we all supporting each other, regardless of Working Mom, SAHM, or the many in-between versions? Instead we tear each other down, trying to (maybe?) justify our own decisions?? I, and my family, are extremely happy and thriving with our choices so why would I have to try to justify it to anyone else?<br />Motherhood is tough enough without all of this nonsense! Like it or not, we're all in this together!!Trishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00257429871852999652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-13219550790372448782012-07-09T20:27:31.376-04:002012-07-09T20:27:31.376-04:00this is my favorite one in the bunch- it resonated...this is my favorite one in the bunch- it resonated with me because she seems so down to earth. Like myself, she sees the beauty in a great daycare and all the good it can offer to a child if they are doing their job well. She also sums it up best: motherhood is manic, fun and funny! Couldn't have said it better myself.Stacynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-48203482370771942122012-07-07T17:21:59.111-04:002012-07-07T17:21:59.111-04:00My almost-two-year-old daughter's name is Finl...My almost-two-year-old daughter's name is Finley Elizabeth too! Great post, loved Jen's perspective.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-39390554456882617112012-07-04T18:18:47.812-04:002012-07-04T18:18:47.812-04:00This is a great series... have you thought about a...This is a great series... have you thought about a similar series that covers the issues with couples that work together and own businesses together? There are so many people that do this but not a lot written or discussed in regards to the hurdles. How do they balance life and work and still keep things interesting when they spend so much time together? How do they distance themselves from the stresses of a business when needing couple time etc. <br /><br />I think you do such a great job with these and would love to read other variations.. speciallyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-90530484458391795172012-07-04T15:13:10.691-04:002012-07-04T15:13:10.691-04:00The best post, really great!!!!The best post, really great!!!!Alenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-26127198579614936122012-07-04T14:37:18.261-04:002012-07-04T14:37:18.261-04:00Great post!Great post!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-18718706810080533572012-07-04T13:53:55.871-04:002012-07-04T13:53:55.871-04:00I had very mixed feelings when reading this post. ...I had very mixed feelings when reading this post. On one hand, I think this mom is rad -- finding lots of quality (bed jumping) fun to share with her sweet girl, on the other hand I am struck at how little that time is. Maybe an hour, maybe two a day? When my own sweet girl was born I was working a 50 hour week in landscape design and had a wonderful nanny. However, after a summer of not seeing her day-to-day I made a choice to pare down my schedule to a freelance part time position. I would have quit entirely if my family could have afforded it! I will never regret my decision to spend my days with her -- even the whinny ones ;)The Fam!https://www.blogger.com/profile/05264228877721905918noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-10864258819328232512012-07-04T10:53:27.711-04:002012-07-04T10:53:27.711-04:00Thank you so much for this series. They always mak...Thank you so much for this series. They always make me feel as if I am in a room with dear friends who understand my darkest secrets. Her answer to number 10 made my eyes sting with tears.<br /><br />Beautiful, as ever.amandahttp://amandamagee.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-46554770794538894522012-07-04T07:57:48.276-04:002012-07-04T07:57:48.276-04:00To the Anonymous who wrote:", as a mother of ...To the Anonymous who wrote:", as a mother of a 2 1/2 year old daughter, i can't imagine having her learn her manners and social behaviour from anyone but myself."<br /><br />Oh really? You don't have parents, in laws, aunts, uncles, teachers, neighbors religious leaders in your life who want to help shape your daughter's character? <br /><br />Hmph. Ever heard the phrase: "It takes a village?"<br /><br />If you are going to make a snide, judgmental, narrow-minded view, please have the courage to at least leave a name.Nerissanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-56350677964096421392012-07-04T00:26:34.584-04:002012-07-04T00:26:34.584-04:00This interview (and the others) gave me inspiratio...This interview (and the others) gave me inspiration and comfort. I'm juggling two littles under 5 while running my business from home. At times it is total chaos!<br /><br />xo Clarity<br />www.friendsofsocktopus.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-9748546317267989792012-07-03T23:00:36.253-04:002012-07-03T23:00:36.253-04:00@Diana - I pray that my daughter will grow up and ...@Diana - I pray that my daughter will grow up and feel and say the wonderful things you say about your working mother. I try really hard to remember that I am also setting an example for my daughter, who I hope will have a beautiful and fulfilling career as well as a love and family some day.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-59238080289246168952012-07-03T22:53:58.371-04:002012-07-03T22:53:58.371-04:00Like the piece and the series, but it does feel a ...Like the piece and the series, but it does feel a bit sugar-coated. Also the schedule doesn't add up. How does she get to the office by 8:30 when she does drop offs (maybe its very close to work?), and then leave the office at 6, commute, but still have time to cook dinner for her family before her 2 yr old's bedtime, which would be like 7pm if she is getting up early enough to get to daycare by 8? The hardest thing for me as a working mom is fitting it all in a day. I am always wishing for an extra hour or two.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-9076850891004420572012-07-03T14:56:32.877-04:002012-07-03T14:56:32.877-04:00I just love this interview! Jen seems so dang dow...I just love this interview! Jen seems so dang down to earth and her relationship with her husband sounds incredibly real....best friends. Bravo, Joanna--thanks for sharing.Melissahttp://www.swimlakemichigan.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-2663607862716985042012-07-03T14:37:39.344-04:002012-07-03T14:37:39.344-04:00I'm a new mom to a 3-month baby girl and just ...I'm a new mom to a 3-month baby girl and just went back to work last week. Whew! We decided on daycare near my office - that means the babe and I get extra time together on the bus each morning and evening. Thanks for this!chopsueyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02373927837940357603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-72335435621593600112012-07-03T14:16:06.310-04:002012-07-03T14:16:06.310-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Jananhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04127594741785301487noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-46937387279149684842012-07-03T14:16:02.842-04:002012-07-03T14:16:02.842-04:00I am a deliberate mother. I am a professional moth...I am a deliberate mother. I am a professional mother, I MAKE mothering my business. I wanted to have 4 kids so I am going to raise them. My husband and I CHOOSE to live within our means (forgo the best zip code, newest car, designer clothes...) so that I can do that. We are not, as Haters-of-SAHMs imply, financially unstable, stuck in our home, or unbalanced. A lot of Moms don't have a choice, but a lot do. There is often more choice than people like to admit. If staying at home means I live in affordable cookie-cutter housing, or drive -oh horror- an old minivan, or buy clothing from -gasp- old navy and target, I am okay with that:)Jananhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04127594741785301487noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-50662591253394383832012-07-03T14:11:58.499-04:002012-07-03T14:11:58.499-04:00My mother worked full-time 9-5. She commuted to wo...My mother worked full-time 9-5. She commuted to work for an hour and half everyday yet I don't remember her not being there for me ever. We'd have dinner all together (mom,dad and sister) every night. Every Friday evening we would have a family night and now that I read this series I can only imagine how exhausted she must have been. I'm grateful that she hugged me and kissed me everyday and that we took family vacations every year (it took some saving for them, I know...it wasn't Europe or anything like that, there were four of us). I truly hope my mom DID NOT feel guilty everyday leaving me because she did what she needed to do to make ends meet. If I were to have children I would expect to work as well. One to make ends meet and two for my sanity and independent stimulation :) There's nothing wrong with that. My mother taught me that having my independence and a career was very important and I am grateful for this. My mother is so unique and lovely.Diananoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-40325705526076986792012-07-03T13:30:15.950-04:002012-07-03T13:30:15.950-04:00Lovely post. It really can be as simple as that. ...Lovely post. It really can be as simple as that. As a not so young mom, we do what we can with a smile and some grace. It never has to be so difficult or a struggle. Way to go, Jen Green. Great outlook.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13313957042573459374noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-71890867815614048862012-07-03T12:03:36.717-04:002012-07-03T12:03:36.717-04:00She went to Bucknell? Me too! Awesome. I think peo...She went to Bucknell? Me too! Awesome. I think people need to realize that it's not a choice for most Moms to work - what's better, a Mom at home or a financially stable family?Beccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00852978359138566066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-946734510119823462012-07-03T09:40:24.730-04:002012-07-03T09:40:24.730-04:00I agree that dissenting opinions make for a much b...I agree that dissenting opinions make for a much better discussion. I was referring to the comments that felt like a personal attack on Jen for being happy.Alisha E.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-13702102081740435522012-07-03T09:24:43.089-04:002012-07-03T09:24:43.089-04:00Ooh and she went to Bucknell! I emailed her about ...Ooh and she went to Bucknell! I emailed her about her job at Anthro a while back, and Jen was super nice and helpful. Very happy to see this connection here!Lindsayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15349528587358311568noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-66307655495771037872012-07-03T09:23:49.883-04:002012-07-03T09:23:49.883-04:00I love this series and the supportive comments her...I love this series and the supportive comments here! But I am disappointed by the played-out, judgy SAHM party line of "I wouldn't let someone else raise my kids." I agree not everyone has the financial situation to stay at home, but that's not even the point in my mind. Women, yes mothers, have dreams and ambitions too, many of which involve something other than child-rearing. Why are women strung up for public analysis and criticism for wanting to continue some kind of a public life, making use of their skills, knowledge, and talents, but men are so often given a free pass? <br /><br />There is no question that our American culture lacks work-life balance, but changing that would/will take massive societal involvement, a commitment from men and women alike, as well as the government. Just looking at the costs of childcare in the US compared to other wealthy countries is breathtaking. $200/month max in Sweden for full-time care? We pay $3000/month in NYC for 2 children, one in preschool and one in a nanny-share scenario. It's insanity.Jennynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28060897.post-61452729978987774332012-07-03T07:56:54.938-04:002012-07-03T07:56:54.938-04:00I love hearing how working moms make it work! I re...I love hearing how working moms make it work! I remember the first day taking my son to daycare. Even though he was almost six months old and I was SO lucky to have that long of a leave, I thought I would have a breakdown that first few months. <br />What a down-to-earth and hardworking momma! (My husband and I have our date nights out. It's a MUST). <br />Best,<br />TinaSmartBearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02187513727826950625noreply@blogger.com