Mothering as a Profession

A nice girl named Jennifer called and asked for my input on the profession of mothering. Her boss, Senator Mike Crapo, will be featuring professional Idaho women on his website during Women's History Month. Jennifer says that Senator Crapo feels that mothering should be highlighted. It's very Idaho of him to acknowledge the profession that has contributed multitudes of unsung heroines to the backbone of Idaho for generations.

Here are the answers to questions Jennifer asked. I hope these responses ring true for Idaho mothers who will visit the website:
1. Why did you choose your profession?

I chose mothering because I wanted to invest my life in a worthwhile pursuit that would last longer than I do.

2. What do you wish would change about your profession?

I wish that more mothers recognized that by their small, daily acts of love, they are accomplishing the most meaningful work on the planet.

3. What is most appealing to you about your profession?

• I like being the boss.


• I love all the people in my "office," even the ones who cause problems.


• Mothering provides more possibilities for personal growth, character development and long-term joy and happiness than any other profession.


• There’s always something new to learn.


• All I do to get ready for work is set my foot out of the bed and onto the carpet, and I'm there.


• I get to have God for a partner.


• On a bad day, I can't be fired.

4. What advice can you offer to women who would like to follow the same path that you have chosen?

• Find a good brand of lotion because you’re going to be washing your hands a lot.


• Once you have chosen mothering, you can't change your major.


• There are no second chances to be the main star in your child’s childhood. Be there.


• Love is not enough. To succeed, mothers must improve and build upon their parenting skills every day.


• Parenting skills are not inherited. They must be earned and learned.


• Follow the advice of Winston Churchill . . . never give up, never give up . . . never, never, never give up.


• When you become an old woman, you’ll never have to say, "I wish I had spent my life on the people who mattered most."