“The homemaker has the ultimate career. All other careers exist for one purpose only—and that is to support the ultimate career.” – C.S. Lewis
For millennia women have unapologetically been stepping into their most selfless role: motherhood. Tending to babies with outstretched arms giddily saying “mama,” wiping snot-covered faces, kissing boo-boos, and mending skinned-up knees. Their overall objective is the same, make this house a home. Yet, the perception of its importance throughout time has fluctuated.
It comes as no surprise, given the rollercoaster of the economy over the past century that many women have had no choice but to join their husbands in the workforce. While living paycheck-to-paycheck is a deal breaker for most, a growing number don’t mind a reduced income in exchange for more time spent in the domestic sphere.
It’s fascinating to note that in multiple Reddit threads, when women were asked about their decision to stay home, the overwhelming response was “less stress.” Consistently, when pressed on the source of this stress “childcare expenses” emerged as a primary factor across the board. According to a recent article published in Bloomberg, Americans in some states spend as much as 56,000 on childcare annually. In the southeast, it ranges between 7,000 to 9,000 per year.
For many families, the cost of childcare often outweighs the potential earnings, leaving their paycheck to essentially cover the expenses of hiring a babysitter, with little left for other household needs. Despite this financial reality, numerous mothers who have transitioned from wage-earning roles to staying at home with their children emphasize that they don’t perceive it as a loss. Instead, they view it as a gain in peace of mind and the invaluable love and attention provided by a devoted mother—an investment in the highest quality childcare available.
Speaking anecdotally, the editor of The Cute North Georgian wrote of her decision to stay home as,
“The most complicated, simple decision of my life. I have worked for five years in education and two in non-profit work. I always received stellar reviews and feedback, yet the stress of maintaining that status quo was debilitating. I was constantly on edge and required strong anti-depressants to cope. I could see where I made meaningful educational experiences for other individual’s children and wanted to create those moments with my daughter. The personal rewards I envision from this endeavor seem far more profound and enduring than any accolades received as a teacher. So, I decided to invest in a new chapter. This season of life has illuminated a path toward my aspirations as a writer more brightly than any before it. Despite the prevailing narrative that staying at home signals the death knell of career ambitions and dreams, I’ve discovered a truth far more empowering: I can manage both. This, with the support of my husband, the-man-of-the-house, as he is known in editorials. ”
Not all who opt to stay home do so solely due to the burden of high care costs. For some, the decision is not dictated by financial constraints but rather by a profound sense of trust—or lack thereof. Their hearts are pulled not by the weight of expense, but by a deeper apprehension: trust.
Before 2013, the United States did not have federal reporting requirements for preventable fatalities, serious injuries, or abuse that took place in these facilities, no mandatory background checks for employees, nor inspections of these childcare centers, parents also could not as easily access data online.
That all changed in September of 2014, when congress passed the “Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 2014” reauthorizing the “Child Care and Development Block Grant” to revise and expand plan requirements including child-to-provider ratios, health and safety, child abuse reporting, and background checks with a 10 year look back period. States are also obligated to deny employment to individuals who refuse a background check and/or ones who are registered sex offenders.
However, almost a decade later and many states still aren’t meeting federal requirements on reporting, nor withholding employment from individuals who don’t meet the criteria. It’s concerning to note that in Georgia, individuals with records of domestic abuse and aggravated assault can still legally work with children. This lack of stringent regulation is especially apparent in non-public education settings, where one soon realizes the limited safeguards in place to protect children. Even within the public education system, the sheer volume of students means that some still inevitably slip through the cracks.
With social media on the rise, many creators have been using their platform to be the voice of the people, bringing light to otherwise unreported, national stories of childcare tragedies and atrocities. Leaving parents to question who they can really depend on for a clear-cut answer, ultimately determining they, themselves are the safest option.
In an era defined by instant access to information, where everything is merely a tap away, concerns about exposure understandably loom large. In environments where internet access is unmonitored and age guidelines are laxly enforced, the primary worry for some parents isn’t solely about the content itself, but rather the potential impact it may have on their children. It’s a disquieting notion—that their young, impressionable minds are akin to fertile soil, vulnerable to being shaped and influenced by external forces.
Parents inherently desire to instill kindness, moral convictions, and steadfast values in their children—a task that becomes significantly more challenging when they’re not under their direct care. For many, the risk of relinquishing this control over their children’s upbringing is simply too great to bear.
In the 21st century, the image of a traditional housewife and mother has evolved far beyond the depictions seen in television re-runs from the sixties. It’s no longer solely about cleaning, baking pies, and hosting elaborate dinner parties in immaculate Sunday best. Modern motherhood encompasses a multifaceted array of responsibilities, each tackled with unwavering determination. It’s about embracing homeschooling or ClassDojo, for some it’s homesteading, and grounding lives in the teachings of faith, amidst countless other daily tasks. More than anything, it’s about recognizing that as partners, spouses are on the same team—not adversaries. Together, we make sacrifices, each contributing different facets of our lives to maintain a stable foundation upon which our children can thrive. It’s a return to our roots, living authentically and in alignment with our truth.
The quintessential image of the domestic housewife has long been epitomized by June Cleaver—always patient, kind, and devoted to her family’s needs. Her impeccably starched dresses and well-balanced dinners mirrored the wholesomeness of the glass of milk she served alongside them. In 2024, we can confidently say, “good for her.” However, this hasn’t always been the case. The nickname ‘June Cleaver’ was once as likely to be used as an insult as it was a sign of approval. Yet, there’s a growing recognition that just as it’s acceptable to be a Sheryl Sandberg in the boardroom, it’s equally valid to embody the ideals of June Cleaver within the household. This doesn’t have to mean a polka-dot shirtwaist dress, but can include a clean T shirt, a neat chignon, tattoos or luxurious braids. June Cleaver is an ideal, and the implementation looks different in different households.
Women like Ree Drummond, the driving force behind the now massively successful Pioneer Woman brand, serve as inspirations in this endeavor, despite starting with a small Typepad blog. However, in today’s landscape, Instagram and Tik-Tok influencers play a more prevalent role, often showcasing an idealized yet positive perspective on domestic responsibilities. Just as tech employees highlight the perks of their work environments and salaries, moms can also portray themselves in white linen dresses, gently petting a cow alongside their curly-haired cherubs. It’s a portrayal that seeks to balance the polished aspects of daily life with the realities of breakdowns and challenges—experiences shared across tech, business, and household duties, even if they’re often kept off-camera.
In conclusion, the exploration of traditionalism in the modern era reveals a nuanced interplay of challenges and rewards. While traditional roles like homemaking and stay-at-home parenting have persisted over time, their significance has evolved in response to economic and social shifts. The decision to prioritize domestic responsibilities often stems from concerns such as childcare expenses and the desire for a less stressful lifestyle, but also encompasses an innate desire to serve and love one’s family. Ultimately, whether one chooses to embrace traditional roles or pursue alternative paths, what matters most is finding fulfillment and happiness in one’s chosen lifestyle.
