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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I want to watch this film now!! Although it is a bit like watching Sex and the City...with children!! Can SJP act any other role?
ReplyDeleteThe whole 'doing it all' thing is a myth, I think. I find it's more a case of thinking about what *really* matters to me...and letting the rest not matter so much.
But putting it into practice isn't always as easy as typing it out!!
Sarahx
Have you read the book? Cuz it is definitely does not have the same message as the movie. I think they changed the message of the movie, since they figured it would be mostly "work outside the home mamas" who would be watching it.
ReplyDeleteDon't know if you knew this, but the author was actually a stay-at-home mom.
I had a love/hate relationship with the book and movie. ;)
I haven't read the book yet -- it is something like #10 in the queue -- but the book is usually much better in most cases! :)
Deleteserious girl crush on SJP... i need to see this!
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