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Join me today at Raising Homemakers!
“Raising daughters who wish to pursue the profession of homemaking poses a delicate dilemma in today’s culture because “homemaking” isn’t considered a profession.
Childcare is, if you are getting paid.
Teaching is, if you are getting paid.
Cleaning is, if you are getting paid.
Interior design is, if you are getting paid.
Accounting/finance is, if you are getting paid.
Culinary art is, if you are getting paid.
Counseling is, if you are getting paid.
Nutritional expert is, if you are getting paid.
The love of money….
But a woman who wants to become adept at all these professions tied into one is laughed off or pitied.”
Read the rest about The Homemaking Profession
13 comments
Such an important, often overlooked and misunderstood topic. You would think this was a no-brainer amongst Christians. I often used to wonder why women who don’t homeschool would come onto your blog and argue about that and get offended when it said it was encouragement for homeschool families. I think of keeping at home for the Christian woman in the same way. Why women in paid employment come on here and argue and get offended?? Anyway thank you for the encouragement and what great thoughts. Well done and I’ll pray for Bria (I hope I spelled that correctly) whenever I remember.
Thank you, Haley!
Thank you for highlighting this issue this way … I had a “career” in the engineering field, but was miserably unfulfilled. Now that I am at home with my babies (experiencing all of the challenges that go along with that!), I have never felt more fulfilled in my occupation! I am heartbroken that I live in a culture where THE most vital and fundamental of all occupations is considered little more than a frivolity, or at best, a luxury reserved for women who have nothing better to do with their lives.
Thank you for sharing that, Mikel!
I recently had a good conversation with a girl who is graduating this year. She wants to train as a teacher. She was frustrated because of the high cost of college and the fact that her family was too “wealthy” to receive much student aid(though they can’t afford college out right, either). When I mentioned something about homemaking,(knowing that she would someday be married and have kids), she said, “I know how to cook and clean. I want to teach, it’s my dream.” I responded, saying something like,”Cooking and cleaning is the tip of iceberg. The real skills of a homemaker is having solid knowledge of God’s Word, knowing how to keep your temper, knowing how to operate a home on a slim budget, knowing how to be content when everyone around you is accumulating stuff and you’re not, and SO many other character issues that aren’t addressed in public school OR college. IF anything, they delay these things from being learned. My “dream” was to study for being an artist–painting/pottery…things I use very little now…and I spent four years becoming more and more selfish and self centered…and hence spent a few years really struggling with being home… Keep on, Kelly 🙂
Laura,
You did a good thing–talking openly, about a difficult subject, in a Titus 2 way. We have to begin teaching the younger women and helping them see homemaking as an important career choice.
Really well put.
As a single mom (and I mean truly single – there is absolutely no support in any way from the father) I struggle with this on a daily basis. I truly believe that everything you stand for is Biblical, and the way God meant it to be – but also am running into societies biases. And with no “provider” it makes it even more difficult. I am also homeschooling my two sons – which makes the attacks I get even more often and stronger. Do you have any advice for us singles?
Thankful for you and your ministry!
Becky
Becky,
You are in a hard place. What about your family–mother, father, etc.? And also, are you in church? These are the safety-nets God has given us in difficult circumstances. I would explore every possible route through family and church and also seek to establish a home industry that would allow you make money from home, or maybe a house-cleaning business that let you set your own hours. Something your sons could help you with would be ideal.
Just discovered this from a wonderful person, and mother. I am the grandmother of a 14 yr old with ADHD, and it’s only she, and her day (my son). I have so, so many concerns, yet feel so helpless in trying to be of help to her. My son is a wonderful dad, (and mom), very structured, and keeps her busy with sports. I just worry about her future as having no mother in the home to assist her in ways that only a mother can. She spends Saturday nights with us, and attends church on Sunday. Her dad was once very active in church as a teenagers, but no longer. Any suggestions would be welcomed, and of course; All Prayers. She excels in Soccer, and track, but struggles with her studies. Thanks for listening to this 71 yr. young grandmother 🙂
This is wonderful. My oldest daughter is now 13, and I most definitely want to instill the importance of homemaking as a “profession” in all of my daughters. I’m trying to live it out for them. : ) I get dissenting comments from family and friends, so thank you for the encouragement.
I LOVED this post Kelly! My girls are already dreaming of the day when they can be like mom. It makes me so happy to hear them say it..and since they are with me 24/7 they do know what being a mom means. They know it’s not all roses & rainbows.
But this is also something that can be used for boys – I am planning it currently with my soon to be 18 yr old who just “graduated” and we’re trying to talk him into staying home for a few more years so he can learn the “art” of homemaking. While ultimately I want my children to marry & have families I know that single men also need to know how to run a home and care for children since it really is a 2 person “job”.
You brought up the point of adjusting to having another adult that is actually your child living with you – while I have already been discussing this with my son and know that we will be making changes I have still let him know that there will be expectations of him in helping around the house, taking over some of the younger children’s studies, and in helping with the family business. I actually think I am more prepared for this than his father is…surprisingly! I thought I’d be a nutcase when my oldest hit 18, but it really seems more like a new fun adventure we’re about to undertake.
I am an American living in Iran… I know there are a lot of preconceived notions about how women are treated here, but I am here to tell you that I have never felt more cherished and respected in my life.
My “job” here is a homemaker/house wife and loving friend and mate to my husband (no children). He supports us both and always makes me feel my worth.
The other day we were driving through town and I saw a sign for “Housewife Retirement Insurance”… I couldn’t help but think what a wonderful culture I’m surrounded by… And then wondered why Western/Christian countries don’t offer anything similar? Here in Iran, they truly understand the importance of a wife and mother who dedicates her time, talents and love to her family over chasing a career and money.
Blessings to all.