I will never forget what a mind-expanding experience it was to read Woman at
Home when it came out.  I bought 10 copies for friends and relatives for
Christmas presents that year.  The point that most hit home was the "don't let
yourself fall into the male model of life" message.  I've used it when I stayed
home with my three, when I became a professional volunteer (LLLL, school
library, etc.) instead of "going to work" like the rest of the women were doing
as soon as children entered school, when I returned to school and got an
Associate Degree in Nursing instead of going for my Masters in Social Work, and
now when I'm doing 5 different things - none of which pays very much.  Luckily
for me, my husband has felt that what I did was very important even though my
$$$ didn't reflect it.  In fact, when an "insurance" (you know, the kind that
try to sell investments) agent came by, his answer was we've invested my wife's
education on my children.

My point is, that we need to be an example for others - and not fall into the
male model that conferences are for adults and not for children.  Yes, some
women are deaf to their own children's noises and they need to be asked to "take
a break" - but that also is part of our being an example.  I also find that the
presence of children changes the tone of the meeting - but perhaps toward the
better.  Life is multi-generational.  Our focus should be multi-generational
also.  Just as in LLL meetings - where else are people going to hear the message
of children being a priority and not a disruption of our lives?

Jeanette Panchula, BSW,LLL, IBCLC,RN
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