Monday, April 30, 2007

Putting a price on it

He went on about the time he spends with his kids — how he manages to get no more than four hours' sleep at a time, since he always has to be there for one or both of his children. For this former Marine, being a dad is "the hardest work there is."

"And the most rewarding," I said hopefully.

He gave an emphatic "yes."

It strikes me that there is something wrong with a culture that tells this man that he is somehow less valuable than a man who makes more money or has more job skills. The same goes for a culture that tells a woman she is less valuable if, rather than taking the opportunity to graduate college at the earliest opportunity, or getting a solid footing in a career, she instead becomes a full-time mother.

Being a devoted parent is the most important job in the world. We should never forget that.
You can read the rest of the story at Dawn Patrol. Comments?