Woman have been struggling to combat double standards and create equality with men around the world for decades. Sure, we have the same rights as men, but there are so many double standards that are still applied to our lives. As mothers, we see it the most. There was a time where most families stayed together, the father worked outside of the home, and the mom stayed at home as a homemaker. The dad would take their sons hunting and fishing, and moms would teach their daughters how to cook and clean. Back then it was the norm, but that doesn't mean it's the right way.
We are just as able as dads are to do things like hunting, fishing, chasing career goals, and fixing things around the house, just as dads are capable of cooking, cleaning, and taking care of children. Families are less likely to stay together this day and age, so some moms (and dads) have to do it all on their own. It's time us moms realize that we are not confined to the kitchen, and we have so much more to offer our children when it comes to teaching them life lessons.
Believe it or not, but women like to go out in the woods and hunt just as much (if not more) as men do. I have to admit that I was always afraid of shooting a gun, but I loved to go out and watch for deer with my family. My family lives off of venison, so hunting is extremely important to us. Guns scared me because of the danger, the loud noises, and fear of missing my target, but those are common concerns. The important thing is to get educated about your gun, practice in a safe environment, and wear the correct ear protection. Hunting isn't just for the guys anymore, ask any girl out there that comes from a small town.
When I became a mother, that is what I defined myself as. I would've gladly given up every other aspect of myself to cater to my son, if I had the chance. In this economy, I couldn't afford to stay home with my son, given my tens of thousands owed towards student loans. I feel bad all the time for working, and so do many other moms. The question is, why? Why don't dads feel as bad as we do for leaving our children 40 hours a week (or more)? Many women feel very passionately about the path they have chosen in life, and they want to have a career, too. Why does society tell us that we are selfish for doing that? Why do we have to live with the guilt and shame for following our dreams, while teaching our children to do the same? It isn't right.
Now that many moms work outside of the home as well, it would make sense that the housework would be split evenly between mom and dad, right? Sadly, wrong. Many men are stuck in the "old days" way of thinking, and expect women to do the housework and cook supper, while also feeding, bathing and getting the kids put to bed. When both parents are working full time, it isn't fair to dump everything else on mom. I'd like to think that we are superheroes, but no one should have to have so much on their plates. Sharing the housework and showing appreciation when moms go above and beyond go a long way.
It's no surprise that females are a force to be reckoned with. We can spend all night cleaning up puke while comforting sick kids, wake up in the morning and spend all day at work like its nothing. We can do anything that dads can do, and we should kick those outdated standards to the curb. Moms are the ones getting the short end of the stick when we are expected to live up to these expectations every day. So ladies, let your husbands do the dishes and cook supper, and don't be afraid to show your kids how to bait a hook. We are all equally able to do anything we want, regardless of gender.