Food, Home and Style
Unsung Heroes – Recession Moms
Today we’d like to offer a big thank you to our moms, without whom we would not running a website, or even tying our shoes, frankly. We know how hard you work, how deeply you care, and how much the future depends on you.
In his new book Elsewhere, U.S.A., social scientist Dalton Conley explains the challenges of today’s multitasking moms, who play an increasingly important role in the economic life of families: “Blending work and home responsibilities is no easy feat, especially in a 24/7 service economy that allows many of us to work from home at all hours.”
Moms we talked to made it clear that times are tough: “Right now, I’m scared to spend,” says Julie Joyce of Durham, North Carolina, a paralegal and mother of two. “I just feel like I should keep my head down and work.” New mother Jill Dewey, a New York banker, is worried about holding on to her job while taking care of an infant. “I feel nervous about taking maternity leave,” says Dewey. “Will the job really still be there for me?”
As we reported last week, spending on moms is down this year, but that doesn’t mean we love them any less. Shops are offering plenty of affordable gifts that make moms feel appreciated as much as fancier baubles of days gone by. The National Retail Federation recommends that its retail members focus on offering budget-friendly gifts such as discounted cameras or books. Stores like Trader Joe’s are worth checking out, offering fresh flower bouquets and pretty cakes for under $20.
Moms deserve a little extra pampering this time around, as many are breadwinners and do more than their share of childrearing and household chores. “The mother in the household is the person everyone looks to,” said American Psychiatric Association director Nada Stotland. “To a large degree she sets the tone or the mood in the household. If you have a miserable, depressed, worried, anxious mom in the household, that’s a stressor for everybody.”
A lovingly-prepared breakfast in bed (see our recent post “Five Priceless Mother’s Day Gifts), or a picnic in the park are simple gestures that are bound to brighten her day – and yours, too.
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Women should rule the world-especially moms. You’re right, a little extra effort does more for the heart than a bought gift. If you listen carefully to people when asked “what are who had the greatest influence on your life” the answer is most often, MY MOM!!!