While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece - more like a fluffy chick flick - I really enjoyed this movie. I think it has some interesting messages about the modern role of "woman as mother."
I guess as a stay-at-home-mom I could be insulted by this movie. It humorously pokes fun at mamas like me, painting a picture of SAHM's as rich, self-centered, and annoying. As gym rats, yoga junkies, organic cookie-baking "Momsters" with posh lives of ease.
"Working moms" {an interesting term in itself...pretty sure we all "work"} are depicted as "Jugglers" - women who "do it all." They have high-powered careers, plan elaborate birthday parties, travel, and create to-do lists in their head while laying awake at night. Sure, they rush around, forget to pluck their eyebrows {because SAHM's have soooo much time to do that} and miss out on things with their kids (ie first haircuts) but they manage do be great moms and great employees.
I loved this movie -- simply because I am a new mom and it made me think about these stereotypes. I don't really believe them, as I think whether you "work outside the home" or are "stay at home" or "work from home" you are still "working" your most important job: "Mom." Each version has it's own challenges and perks.
I stay at home. I miss my paycheck. Having extra money for vacations and clothing and home furnishings was kind of nice. I miss the peace of my office, the adult conversations, and having time in my car when I can listen to the radio and not have to sing "You are My Sunshine" over, and over, and over to prevent my baby from screaming.
Then again, sometimes I get to stay in my pajamas until noon. I make my own schedule, have time to keep the house clean, and really don't have to miss any moment of my baby's life. Oh, and I am able to work out, whether it is a yoga class at the gym, or running with the baby in the jogging stroller.
Sure, I have a huge Rubbermaid bin of cute Express work pants and tailored button-down shirts that I will never wear again. Also, a ton of sassy high heels that, now, hardly get worn. Oh, and the only time I get a latte that doesn't get cold before I'm able to finish drinking it is when I am grocery shopping on Sunday nights sans baby, which I sip while I shop.
Like I said, no matter what type of "working mama" you are - there is the good and the bad.
The important thing is that you are happy with the choice you make. A happy woman makes a happy mama.
Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!
This was a day late due to the nasty cold I've been nursing the past three days...ugh.
PS -- Would love to hear other mamas' reactions to this movie/book!
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