Staying at home a choice??

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-29-2007
Staying at home a choice??
2204
Sun, 04-29-2007 - 6:46am

The author of this article thinks most mothers go to work because they want to, not because they have to.

"Most parents from two-parent families today do have a choice when it comes to parental care. They can try and talk themselves into believing they don't, but it really boils down to priorities."

http://backofthebook.ca/living/2007/03/part-time-ophanages-part-2-job-only.html

Does anyone (other than her) really believe this? I don't know of anyone among my friends who works who wouldn't rather be staying at home with their children. But they don't have the choice!

Pages

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Sun, 05-13-2007 - 9:23pm
I just find it so odd. Everyone I know who move into new homes do it the first day.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Sun, 05-13-2007 - 9:25pm

The quality of new things isnt always better. And why does buying used in your mind automatically mean living like one is 18? I'm 42 and I've always bought used, sometimes mixing new but the used stuff is often nicer. Some of the older pieces are just way better quality. Not to mention there are plenty of *adults* out there who are concerned with things like the environment, as well as not accruing debt over incidental items.

dj

Dj

"Now when I need help, I look in the mirror" ~Kanye West~

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-07-2003
Sun, 05-13-2007 - 9:31pm
You do realize that many antiques are worth more than new things? New does not automatically mean nicer, nor does it automatically mean better.


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 05-13-2007 - 9:31pm

And I probably find it just as odd that you do change it.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Sun, 05-13-2007 - 9:34pm
To me, buying used and mis-matched things is what you do when you are first out of your home and can only afford these things and your credit is just starting up. Once you work for many years and increase your salary, you have better credit and are able to buy better things.
Sorry. This is just how all my friends and co-workers live and I see nothing wrong with it. If you like used, there is nothing wrong with that if that is the style you like. If it is to pinch pennies when you don't have to, then I don't understand.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Sun, 05-13-2007 - 9:35pm
I know that. One of my gf's at work goes to estate sales all the time. Antiques are just not my thing and never will be no matter how much they are worth.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Sun, 05-13-2007 - 9:40pm
That is great you found what you were looking for. The reason why we had everything new when we got married was because we saved for 2 years. I lived at home and saved all my paycheck except for car insurance and spending money. My dh rented an apartment so the majority of his paycheck went for rent, food, car insurance, etc. but saved some also for us. We were able to have all new furniture and our honeymoon. Everything paid for in cash. We put the furniture on the 0% cc because we were trying to build up our credit even more than it was but we paid it off a couple of months before it was even due as we had the money. We have excellent credit now by doing things like this.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-07-2003
Sun, 05-13-2007 - 9:58pm
If you understand that antiques are worth as much, if not more than new furniture, why do you keep implying that anyone who buys antique or other used furniture must not be able to afford new furniture?


iVillage Member
Registered: 09-14-2006
Sun, 05-13-2007 - 10:29pm

When I replaced a couple appliances I was thinking about my environmental impact. The new items are way more energy efficient. I noticed our electric bill go down the past year since we got them. Buying new doesn't mean wasting items.

It completely depends on what you are buying. Mattresses and couches could be quite icky after a few decades, unless cleaned properly, if possible. Old ones can be salvaged for whatever, if they are made of wood.

If you had to replace an appliance, one that is more energy efficient is a good way to go. I heard an interview on the radio about this guy who wrote a book on 1001 things people can do at home for the environment, one was replacing old appliances with newer ones. If everyone did that, energy consumption would go down quite significantly. (of course most families couldn't afford to do that right away)

I to like to buy used if something is good quality. Things like tables and chairs, or shelves, may only need TLC and maybe reinforcement. Buying new is a good way to cut down on new materials having to be created. Buying new does not mean someone is uncaring.

Reminds me of the southpark episode with the 'Smug' cloud that threatened to destroy SouthPark because everyone bought hybrids and became super smug about it. lol

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-26-2006
Sun, 05-13-2007 - 10:41pm

<<>>

No that wasnt it. What the original argument was that one could throw a cover over a used mattress. I wouldnt do that.

<<>>

Again I didnt say new.

<<>>

Ok.

Pages