A master's in ... motherhood?

A friend of mine posted something on Facebook the other day that really struck a chord with me. To paraphrase a bit, she said she was very annoyed that people kept asking her why she bothered getting a master's degree when she planned on staying home with her kids. When I read her post, my heart actually went out to her. I've dealt with those types of people and fielded those questions and, as trivial as it might seem, it can be rather infuriating after a while.

Before I go further, I should clarify myself: I understand that there are many reasons why parents put their kids in daycare, and that in some households, for financial reasons both parents do need to work. And I'm certainly not implying that women should just stay home and make babies. I sure as hell didn't go through seven years of schooling and earn three degrees because I think women are the inferior gender.

That said, in today's world there seems to be this notion that all smart women should go to college, have careers, and maintain said careers no matter what. If kids happen to enter the picture, big deal. You shouldn't have to give up your job. (Because a man wouldn't. Never, ever. Those penis-wielding jerks.) That's what daycares and nannies are for. Just pay someone else to deal with your kids so you can continue achieving and show all those men out there how smart and capable you are. You are woman. Roar.

This mentality implies that the women (and men) who choose to stay at home with their children full-time must be uneducated, lazy or simply too dense to handle a career. Because we all know that the only things housewives do are 1) eat bon-bons, 2) watch Oprah, and 3) the gardener.

Right? No? Well, that's awkward.

So why is it so absurd for a woman to want to be educated and knowledgeable and able to stand on her own two feet in the working world, but at the same time be happy to trade in that day job for a full-time position as "mom"?

Being a stay-at-home parent is an incredible challenge. What better job for an educated woman?

Let's think of what "being educated" entails. When most people think of a college graduate, they probably think of the smart, successful, career-driven go-getter. You can spin it any way you want, but let's face it: to really be that person you have to be a bit selfish. You're focusing on you, after all.

But there's another part of a college education, and that is learning to be a tolerant, humble and selfless member of society. That's why there are so many programs and clubs geared toward humanitarian efforts. To me, there are few acts as selfless as putting all of your accomplishments and dreams on hold in order to make sure your child lives up to his or her full potential.

Anyone who has children knows that parenting is a job that requires the utmost devotion, patience, love and tolerance. It is a job that requires you to become both teacher and learner. You must embrace imperfection and incompetence. It is one of the most stressful and demanding jobs you could have, and recognition and thank-yous are often hard to come by. You live off of the satisfaction of knowing you've done the best you can ... and sometimes, a little Jack Daniels helps.

(Gee. This is starting to sound a hell of a lot like grad school.)

My friend doesn't have kids of her own just yet, but when she does, I know she will embrace all of these challenges with ease. Perhaps earning her master's degree has helped develop some of the patience, dedication and teaching skills she will use. Or maybe her degree will serve as an example to her children that no matter what you choose to do with your life, education is important.

All I know is that when she does become a mother, career or no career, this sharp, accomplished young woman will still have every right to hold her head high.