The Seven Deadly Stereotypes of Motherhood
Mothers & More created a list that included the 7 most common deadly stereotypes of moms - here is the list -
Bon Bon Eating Mom
Stay-at-home moms don't do anything all day but watch TV and eat bon bons.
Stay-at-home moms are loving and nurturing but their brains are mush.
Career-Crazed Mom
Working moms are selfish careerists who neglect their kids.
Working moms are competent and intelligent but cold and uncaring.
Supermom
Supermom is the perfect nurturing mom - always attentive to the kids, doesn't miss a school event, bakes the brownies from scratch -- plus the Do-it-All Mom is the perfect professional career woman -- always available for work, stays on the fast track and makes it to CEO - plus she has a perfect marriage, perfect sex life and perfect kids.
24/7 Bliss Mom
Good mothers love every minute of it, never feel ambivalent, never have a bad day, never yell at their kids, and are always smiling, relaxed and in control.
Martyr Mom
Good mothers always put their family's interests ahead of their own.
Good mothers do not have their own needs and interests, and do not seek their own fulfillment.
Glam Mom
Good mothers are glamorous; young, attractive, perfectly fit, designer dressed, perfectly coiffed - and so are their children.
Domestic Goddess Mom
Good mothers love to do housework, are obsessed with cleaning.
Only mothers are capable of housework.
Good mothers have a spotless house and do everything from scratch; home-cooked meals, perfect birthday parties, and crafts.
What stereotype do you think the world sees you as? Which one can you relate to the most?
Without a doubt, the world sees me as a bon bon eating mom who has it easy and who has no career ambitions of her own. Of course, I know this isnt true (taking care of two children just barely over 2 years of age 24/7 is no walk in the park) but to be honest this ridiculous sterotype, is just about the hardest part of being a stay at home mom for me. I see myself in many of these stereotypes, let me think about that one.
Hi!
i guess I would fall into the bracket of the Bon Bon eating mom.My husband and I own a business. I have to help out there as much as I can while trying to take care of our two year old daughter, two step children and the house.
Nobody else but myself knows where the toliet paper is kept, how to change the garbage bag,paper towel roll, where the washer and dryer are kept,(God forbid how they are used)the dishes or dishwasher etc. I think you know what I mean. The fairy comes along and does it all. But yet my husband brings home the money, and yet I still feel like I am not doing enough!!
I feel better now!! Thanks!
Laura
Posted by: Laura Pinto | September 10, 2006 at 07:20 AM
Hi there. Just to let you guys know I went through all the 6 stereotypes and finally arrived at my destination. Right now I am a Glam Mom. Motherhood is so much fun and so fulfilling and I hope people enjoy being with their kids as much as I do. It is truly the most rewarding and challenging job that a woman can accomplish. In case you have any comments to add kindly post a note at my above e mail. Thanks.
Posted by: Archana Gupta | July 11, 2004 at 02:42 PM
Sue~
Thank you so much for coming by! All of them are ridiculous and sooooo wrong!!!! Love ya!
Posted by: Kelly | May 21, 2004 at 10:33 AM
Hey Kelly, interesting post! I think all moms eventually get put into many of those categories at some point :( I guess I'm currently in the Working Mom (cold and uncaring?? yeah right) category, with a bit of the Supermom and Matyr Mom thrown in for good measure. As you said, the stereotypes are ridiculous and plain old insulting. Moms are strong, intelligent women with many facets to their lives and personalities, we should never be 'boxed' into a certain 'category'!! Thanks for bringing this up, it really does make me think about how society sets impossible standards for us when we're all just out there doing the best for our families and ourselves.
Much love
Sue
Posted by: Sue (MT writer & Ryan's mummy) | May 20, 2004 at 07:05 PM