Media Watch:

by Susan De Ritis, Media and Public Relations Director
Reprinted from the September 2003 issue of Welcome Home®

The first half of 2003 may have signaled something of a turning point in the media’s attitude toward parents who raise their children at home. The great majority of articles we received from Welcome Home subscribers presented a positive, “it can be done--it is being done,” perspective on families with an at-home parent. Confirming the fact that more of these families exist now than ten years ago was a Census Bureau report released in June finding that nearly 11 million children are being raised by full-time at-home mothers, a 13 percent increase since 1994. The number of full-time at-home fathers went up 18 percent. An Associated Press article released on June 16 reported this significant increase and quoted FAHN. Due to the extensive publication of the AP article in major and local newspapers, FAHN was asked to participate in numerous radio interviews reaching from San Francisco to New Zealand. The Washington Times and Philadelphia Inquirer also called on FAHN to comment. The following articles are a sample of the new attitude shown in the media.

“Calling It Quits: More parents opt to stay at home,” (The Post Standard, 1/4/03) focuses on the recent economic downturn as a contributing factor to the increase of mothers coming home. As employers ask more of their workers --longer hours with fewer benefits--women are finding it easier to say no to the corporate world and yes to their children. (Thanks to the Freihofer family for sharing this article with us.)

“A Mother’s Choice: Rewards outweigh regrets, say women who have left workplace,” by Rosanne Rosen (The Columbus Dispatch, 1/ 15/03), profiles several women who left careers ranging from engineering to law. After soul-searching and budget planning, these women found the rewards of raising their children far outweigh the financial benefits and career path of the workplace. Many found part-time work, home-based businesses or volunteering a way to find balance in their lives. (Thanks to Gay M., OH, for sharing this article with us.)

“I Want to Stay at Home: Three former working moms tell what they gave up and what they’ve gained,” by Julie Tilsner (American Baby, February 2003), offers readers examples of how three families adjusted their lives and budgets in order to have a parent at home. One family moved from pricey California to Wisconsin where they could be near extended family and live comfortably on one income. The second family went from two incomes while tag-team parenting to the loss of the wife’s salary when her company would no longer accommodate her morning-only work schedule. Wanting to continue working part-time, she found a former employer who offered her a part-time working position from her home. The third family learned that a budget was the key to having a parent at home. Expensive restaurant meals, credit card debt, and luxuries such as facials and new clothes bought on a whim were no longer allowed so the gift of time could be given to their child. (Thanks to Laura Jones, WH editor-in-chief, for sharing this article with us.)

“Diaper Exchange: The business world finds a niche with new crop of at-home moms,” by I-chun Che (The Cupertino Courier, 4/9/03), explores the high-tech world of Silicon Valley where high pressure jobs are the norm. As career women leave the workplace to raise their children, businesses in the area are recognizing a new marketing niche that caters to families. For example, a local movie theatre’s twice a month “Diaper Day” encourages parents to bring small babies and an athome mom started a business that offers yoga and parenting classes. (Thanks to the Spillar family, CA, for sharing this article with us.)

“You Can Afford to Stay Home,” by Lauren Picker (Parents, May 2003) lets the reader see how four families “make it” on one income. Common tips are: look for free children’s activities at the library and museum, cut-up credit cards, buy clothing on sale and at consignment shops, take vacations to local areas of interest, pack lunches on outings, use coupons, and plan purchases —no impulse buying. (Thanks to Heidi H., AK, for sharing this article).