Fulfillment and STress

Submitted by Kathleen Helbling

"I've always wondered what it would have been like growing up if my mother had worked and felt fulfilled and my father had been less stressed."

It's interesting and encouraging to read these stories about working parents. I was a teacher and have been retired for a while now. How far things have come since my own mother and father were making choices about their careers and family.

After World War II, it was no longer socially acceptable for women to have careers of their own. My mom had a degree in nursing and amazing business skills, but did not pursue a career; instead she took care of our home and us children. She did take care of the family finances, but people at church told her that she was reducing her husband (my dad) by doing that. Interestingly, he didn't want to manage the finances, and in fact, didn't do it very well. 

Life was frustrating for both of them, and that produced a lot of tension in our house.

After I married and left home, my mom did get a nursing job, which allowed my father to relax a little. I've always wondered what it would have been like growing up if my mother had worked and felt fulfilled and my father had been less stressed. 

Kathleen Helbling is a mother, wife, and retired teacher.

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