Taking a break.
Yes, that is what I am saying. It takes much more physical energy to raise kids than work and keep a home. I’ve done all three and I can attest to that. Certainly it depends upon the child/children. I’ve seen parents who can take their kids to the pizza store and enjoy their meal together, and other mothers who are jumping up every second trying to prevent a disaster, who are ar their wits end screaming, threatening consequences…
It can feel like world war III on a constant basis. Thank G-d, none or most of you have never felt this to this degree. I have and have seen countless women struggle with this. Sharing the responsibility so that a person doesn’t feel like their going to “keel over” does not make them “less than”. It means they are aware of their limitations and work with them to the best of their ability. This is different than seeking intellectual stimulation. For those women, I’d say, there’s so much to know about how to raise kids well. You can never read or learn enough, and if you want to learn more, do it when your parenting duties are over for the day, not when your kids are begging for your attention. I think it comes down to why people are looking for a break: because they can’t give enough to the kids so they need supports, or because they yearn for more for themselves. Those are two very different things.