I did not become involved in the study of gender issues until late 1989. Although I had worked for a brief time when it was necessary to do so, I was a stay-at-home mom with four children. I had a deeply-ingrained sense of duty to instill in each of them the love of learning, respect for others, the importance of contributing to their community.
With few exceptions, those with whom we associated were families still intact and who were raising their own children with similar values.
Then we woke up.
We were a fairly typical traditional American family. School and community affairs, scouts, sports, music, and the performing arts took up much of our time. My husband's job required extensive travel, so I was, perhaps, responsible for more than my "share," however for the most part, the arrangement worked well. My twin daughters were in their mid-teens and although they were somewhat envious of their wealthier, more expensively-clad schoolmates, they were excellent National Honor Society students, well-behaved and highly respected. I felt satisfied that I had given them good roots and that they were well on their way to being successful adults. Academically, my son was following in their footsteps. My youngest daughter was only a second-grader. She had developed severe hearing loss and, as a result, was having some problems in school. Although the children had always shared "equal time" with their mom, I now began to concentrate on her
As I stated above, I was used to networking with families similar to my own. The parents I knew were involved with their children's schooling and with their extracurriculr activities. If my children went to friends' houses after school, I knew there was a parent, usually the mom, at home. Parties were supervised by parents. There was never any question in my mind that a parent was there. Phone calls went back and forth and, often, we moms would chat while the kids had fun with their friends. A very few of my children's friends had moms who worked outside the home. Those who did spent much time at my house with the knowledge (and blessings) of their parents.
The 1989-90 school year began the way it always did with a flurry of activity. Then, suddenly my life was turned upside down. (To be continued)...
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