Does mom need an education?
On our way to the first day of preschool this week, my daughter told me how she was going to kindergarten soon, then first grade, then high school and then college. And then with an excited squeal, she exclaimed, “And then I can become a mommy!”
I thought this was a hilarious line of logic, and it made me think about just what kind of education you actually need to be mom. I rarely use my journalism degree when I’m changing diapers. I get a little more mileage out of it when I’m coaxing information out of my 4-year-old, but overall I know that my formal education did little to prepare me for the daily nitty-gritty of motherhood.
After graduating from BYU, I decided to get my master’s degree. At the time, some of my BYU peers questioned why I would waste time pursuing a degree when I eventually wanted to have kids and be a stay-at-home mom. Several men and women told me I was being selfish and should start having babies rather than get a master’s degree. You don’t need a degree to be mom, they said.
It’s been seven years since I got that degree and I wouldn’t trade it for anything, and here’s why:
1. I have no regrets – I’m glad I had that time in my life to be selfish and pursue my education. My life is now completely about two little girls whom I cherish. Now is the time in my life to be selfless, and I’m glad I can do it with no regrets or resentment about lost opportunity.
2. It makes me a better mother – my education is a part of who I am, and I am happy with that person. That satisfaction makes me a happier, better mother everyday. I am proud of my accomplishments and eager to see my children succeed as well.
It’s true: I didn’t need a degree to be a mom. But I do need to feel personally fulfilled to be the best mother I can be. For me, that meant getting all the education I could and working before having children.
What do you think are the advantages of having a degree as a mother? Did you ever run into people who told you that you didn’t need a degree to have babies?
Erin Stewart is a regular blogger for Deseret News. From stretch marks to the latest news for moms, Stewart discusses it all while her 4-year-old daughter crams Mr. Potato Head pieces in her little sister’s nose.