Being a feminist parent is becoming a bit of a minefield for me just lately.
I'm WELL over 40, so have had plenty of practice with having 2 DS's very early in my adult life, and was a single parent for much of their young lives too. (more than 10 years, most of this with only 'casual' relationships, meaning more social with a bit of sex thrown in for good measure, not co-habiting).
I taught my sons to cook, clean, sew etc, all the things you need to be able to do to survive IMO, but since having my DD (who's 4yrs now) and getting married, I'm finding it increasingly hard to hold onto my feminist beliefs and values.
DH and I very much work as a team. We do have specific 'roles' about the house that could be defined as gender-specific, but he goes up ladders as I'm shit scared of heights and taller anyhow, I cook as a hobby as well as to feed us all. I do the washing, he does the ironing.
I don't do paid work, but that is my choice.
I think sometimes I wonder if it is down to circumstance, that I am denying my 'sisterhood' (sorry for the clique) and being compliant for an easy life.
I feel comfortable in my life and role, but am wondering what sort of silent message I am giving DD?
Her adult brother lives with us, and while she sees him do housework etc, she still knows that mum 'stays at home to look after her', i want to re-gain the confidence to challenge the common belief that I am 'kept woman' and a 'lady of leisure'
Gentle pointers...please
Please or to access all these features
Please
or
to access all these features
Feminism: Sex & gender discussions
Taking the Plunge #2
9 replies
IroningBoardForSurfBoard · 13/07/2011 10:50
OP posts:
Please create an account
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.