Why Can’t You Stay Home With Me?
A Book About Working Mothers
Hazen
1986
I know what the authors and publishers were trying to accomplish with books about working moms. Reading it now, it just comes off as tone deaf. Mr and Mrs Privileged have a nice house and both parents have jobs. Throughout the book it is implied that Mrs Privileged works to give the family nice things. It is never about Mrs Privileged providing for her family. Dad’s family obligations aren’t even discussed. But look, he is helping out at breakfast time, so he must be a good guy. Unfortunately, the result of this book is that Dad is still the provider and doesn’t have to do too many childcare or household chores. Mom is still in charge of the household and this job is really just a side hustle for her “real” work. But its okay, kid. You get to eat out more and go on vacation. Weed it and don’t look back.