I was intrigued by the Oct. 13 Variety section article regarding Katrina Alcorn's book "Maxed Out: American Moms on the Brink." I respond as a mother of two grown children who can still relate to Alcorn's angst. I respond, too, as a professional who recently finished reading and discussing Sheryl Sandberg's book "Lean In" with a group of colleagues.
While I appreciated the career advice offered within "Lean In," I remember wondering: "What if every parent of young children leaned in as Sandberg recommends? Who will care for our children? Where do they factor into this grand equation?"
I remember two competing thoughts in my earlier years: 1) Not even the best care provider will love my children as I do, and 2) There is some irony in leaving the workplace in order to ensure my children can be all they can be. The strength of Thought No. 1 eventually trumped Thought No. 2 and prompted me to leave the workplace for several years during a critical time in my kids' development.
My daughter recently labeled me an "odd feminist," and I suppose I am. I would have resented anyone dictating that my place was in the home, but I am grateful to have had the luxury to decide that for myself.
