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Live From Studio 1A: Mommy Envy

Posted: Monday, July 02, 2007 9:41 AM by Peter Giordano
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After being assigned to do a segment on mothers who are envious of other mothers, I figured that moms would be lining up to talk about this subject. But finding someone to talk about her personal experiences was a lot harder than I thought it would be. According to a recent survey, 92% of moms said they feel it from time to time. What mom doesn't feel jealous of others for being more organized, or having better behaved kids? But when it came to getting someone to talk about this topic on camera, some shied away. They didn't want to show their insecurities to America.

I ended up speaking to a mother from New Jersey who was more than willing to talk to us. WATCH VIDEO. She had a great attitude about the whole topic, telling me she loves her kids and loves being a mom, but can't help but feel stressed out from time to time. She has two kids, and looks at moms of more kids thinking they are much better organized than she is. This woman's story echoes that of so many moms. Just this morning when the segment was airing, several moms in the studio were piping up and identifying with this mommy guilt. Natalie agreed, telling me that she is constantly envious of mothers managing multiple kids, when she's stressed out with her one son. I know that my mom would agree that motherhood is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, occupations in the world. What do you think? Do you envy other mothers who seem to have it easier than you do? What do you do to deal with it?

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I have one child (daughter)and also work full time.  So I am a walking case of Mommy envy.  I wonder how the other moms can be sooo organized, because they never forget anything. Then there is the issue of the stay at home mom...I would love to do that, until I am off for a few days, then I realize that I am a much better mom when I get out and go to work and talk to other people.  Soo, I would love to be more organized, and get my child where she should be when she should be there, but I don't ever see me completely giving up my job.  And at the end of the day the only thing that matters is when she races the dog to greet me at the door with a big smile and a hug!

Elizabeth Schwalbert, Imperial MO (Sent Monday, July 02, 2007 10:50 AM)

I cannot say that I envy becauseI believe that every famiy has its problems and highlights. I don't think that one can be better than another; we all have some small or major fault. What all mothers should remember is to just love their children and show it; don't ever compare and enjoy each and every moment you have with them. If you can do it in an organized way or not it doesn't matter. After all the more organized you might be the more stressed your children might be as a result. I believe we are trying to have too much control of everything in our lives, and not enjoying our life itself. Kids enjoy fun and happy parents!!! So get off the stress, spend an afternoon laughing and playing games with them. You won't believe how well they will respond and even offer to help you clean up when the fun is over!!!
Phoebe, Greece

Phoebe Politis, Athens, Greece (Sent Monday, July 02, 2007 2:02 PM)

What is with the negative nomenclature being used in your "mommy" stories?  Today, it was "Mommy Envy," last week it was "Slacker Moms vs. Alpha Moms."  This negativity, and the stereotypes set forth in the pieces, perpetuates the very real chasm between working and stay-at-home mothers.  While the underlying themes in these pieces seem to be "no one can do it all, all the time" the sensational nature of the title of the pieces is not at all helpful.  Stories about what social science tells us produces strong, independent children, and how to adapt to such practices whether your day is spent primarly in the home or office, would be wonderful. Stories showing communities where working moms and stay-at-home moms support one another and their choices would be great.  Enough negativity please.

Karen, Berwyn, Pennsylvania (Sent Monday, July 02, 2007 3:05 PM)



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