Sir, - Monica Barber (November 20th) rightly points out that the role of the stay-at-home mother is largely undervalued by society. But do new mothers themselves know what they are missing? It is a national tragedy that, with factors such as rising house prices, particularly in the Dublin area, many women who would prefer to rear their own children have no choice but to return to work full time to maintain a roof over their heads. Many others who choose to return to work when it is not a financial necessity experience emotional turmoil as they are constantly torn between the needs of their baby/toddler and the demands of work.
I believe that it is part of a mother's nature that she instinctively wants to be with her new baby and ensure his/her well-being. I know of many mothers who had the choice to put their careers on hold for a few years, chose to remain working during the pre-school years, and lived to regret it. They realised too late that they had missed a unique experience. People are quick to point out the negative aspects of rearing a young child. What they don't tell you is that it is that, far from being boring, it is one of life's most challenging, varied, satisfying and joyful experiences which requires an abundance of patience, imagination, stamina and love. The Celtic cub needs the unconditional love that only a mother/father can deliver to become tomorrow's Celtic Tiger. - Yours, etc.,
Greystones, Co Wicklow.