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ninermine
Guest
I have a 17 year old son who believes that my decison to stay home with my children is outdated. Where can I find info to change his mind about what the church actually says about this?
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Jennifer_J
Guest
The Church really doesn’t have a position on this. It’s very true, though, that the first 3 years of a child’s life is very important and it’s best that mom or dad be the primary caretaker. If a mother is nursing, it’s important for the mother to be there.
Of course, other arrangements work–daycare, baby sitter, inhome care, but the optimum arrangement is Mom or Dad (in my opinion).
If you think the best place for you to be is home with your children, then it matters not a whit what a 17 year old child thinks about it at all. One would hope that he sees the benefit of children being raised by a loving parent.
Of course, other arrangements work–daycare, baby sitter, inhome care, but the optimum arrangement is Mom or Dad (in my opinion).
If you think the best place for you to be is home with your children, then it matters not a whit what a 17 year old child thinks about it at all. One would hope that he sees the benefit of children being raised by a loving parent.
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kage_ar
Guest
The Church says that parents should care for their children. That works in different ways for different families.
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Em_in_FL
Guest
Exactly
There is not church teaching regarding HOW parents should care for their children. As parents we are given an enormous responsibility for the care, wellbeing, and faith upbringing of our children. As each parent is unique, each parenting style and approach will be unique. As long as our hearts are burning to raise our children in love and in faith then the HOW shouldn’t (and doesn’t) matter.
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kevinsgirl
Guest
You’re not going to find the Church telling you to be an at home parent–you’re merely called to be the best parent you can be–that may be as a working mom or a stay at home mom. Neither decision is automatically the “moral” one. Different people have different situations–if a parent has the opportunity and the means to stay home with their children, that’s great!
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Rob_s_Wife
Guest
what previous poster’s said and…
aside from that, you might remind ds that you are the parent and do not owe him an explaination for your parenting or employment decisions.
one more thing, even if it is outdated, that doesn’t make it a bad/negative thing nor does something being outdated make other things better.
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ChristinaM
Guest
Other posters had good words of wisdom for you, but I just had to say that as the daughter of a SAHM, your son sounds really ungrateful. He should count himself fortunate, I know I do.
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jmcrae
Guest
How is it that he has any say in the matter?
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gardenswithkids
Guest
How about, “Honor your father and your mother.” He is entitled to his opinion, but he needs to be respectful of you and your choices and sacrifices. Telling his mother that her decision to stay home with her children and care for their home is “outdated” doesn’t sound very respectful to his mother. But don’t worry too much if a 17 year old thinks his mom is “outdated.” One day he’ll grow up, and he’ll probably be outdated too.
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daeve
Guest
I would also be inclined to point out that it isn’t up to him in any way, shape or form. You and your husband decided that your family’s best option was for you to be the available parent. It’s none of his business.
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