I agree Kriston & chris. We moms are humans, too, and pursuing our interests is allowable and should not be viewed as neglectful. I admire the women I know who have strong interests and who enjoy their careers. Especially those with daughters, so they can role-model. In the 21st century, I don't believe we have to lose all sense of self to be good mothers.

That said, I'm a stay-at-home mom (after a 15 yr career). I do have trouble finding my personal passions to pursue, but DH has MANY. He loves skiing, surfing, bicycling, gardening, riflery, and about a dozen other things. Some of these I like, but the only thing I love pertains to my kids & education. Maybe art, too. While some people view this as me being a devoted mother, I don't--I think I'd be more well-balanced and interesting if I had other strong interests. If I had a daughter, I'd want her to find her passions/strong interests and pursue them.

Last edited by cym; 07/07/08 08:43 AM.