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Read other letters about this article
Great analysis!
We can't resolve the work v. stay at home issue by deciding which makes women happier, because neither are very appealing or pleasing alternatives in our society. Workings moms who are still responsible for the lion's share of child care responsibilities are simply overwhelmed and (real) stay at home moms feel undervalued and are full of anxiety over what they have given up (unless they have some kind of religious sense of purpose to subscribe to).
So instead we fight the work or stay at home issue on the minefield determining of what is better for children. Which is about as critical and central to a mom's identity as penis size seems to be to some men. It's no wonder that Flanagan's little digs about a mother's love are such an amazing gut check.
I think we have to make a pact not to go there. Nobody wins. We win when we work together to improve options for women and children. Only those who want to set back the clock for women are served by this kind of uncivil war.
