What comes to mind when I say to you, "50's Housewife". I'll tell you what used to come to my mind when I heard that... Words and phrases like: opressed, depressed, I want to shoot myself, my husband makes ALL the rules, my children run over me. I may be taking it to the extreme but you get the general feeling. Not many people have something positive to say about traditional housewives.
I can't really decide what I would describe myself as... I feel like a modern day, traditional housewife. I know that's a bit confusing so I'll try to explain what I mean. I am a stay at home wife and mother, I do not have a job outside of my home. I have a ton of jobs inside my home though! I love the feeling I get from providing my family with a comfortable home and delicious meals.
It used to offend me when someone would say "You're just a mom?" or "You're a housewife?" like it's such a terrible thing. I've since gotten over that. I may not be curing cancer or saving the world but I do make a difference in people's lives. I make a difference to the people that matter the most to me.
Recently our entire family had the stomach flu... It was horrible. But even though I felt like dirt I was happy to know that because of me, my kids were hugging a clean toilet instead of a dirty one because I had cleaned it. There was plenty of toilet paper and wet wipes because I kept our home stocked with the things we need. We had clean and comfortable beds because I keep the sheets freshly changed. I know that I made their being sick just a bit easier for them.
That's what a modern day housewife is to me. Comfort to my children and husband. Support and love. It's nothing negative and I am certainly not oppressed. To be honest, I'm a bit spoiled. My husband does not keep me from anything, not even my bi-weekly manicure, and for that I'm truly greatful!