BellaOnline Forums Relationships Married No Kids Does Not Having Kids Make One Unfit for Office?

In the Oklahoma race for governor Mary Fallin was asked during a debate what defines her as a candidate and distinguishes her from opponent, Fallin responded that her experience being a mother, having children, raising a family was what set her a part and made her the better candidate.

Motherhood an Issue In Okla. Governor's Race

When is society going to start evaluating women based not on what their husband, father or children accomplish, but by what they as an individual accomplish? I've actually read comments in regards to this issue which said people who have not had children are not "whole people" and "lack empathy and humility."

I guess Mother Theresa wouldn't have been responsible and dedicated enough to run for public office since she wasn't a "real" wife or mother.

If anything I would think having kids would hinder you when it comes to being a public official, at least if the kids are still at home. Women (mothers) often have to miss work, leave early or come in late due to child-related issues. Some one who is child free does not have children to interfere with her job.

This made me SO mad when I heard the news. Why the bleep are women held to this ridiculous double standard and you never hear men in office being considered a good canditate based on if they are a father or not. I mean really??? What year are we in? Grr.

Being a mother changed my life and I became a different person than I would have been. That doesn't mean a better person, it just means different, since my experiences for years were not the same ones that I would have had if I had not been a mother.

I salute women who know their minds and make a conscious decision that motherhood is not for them. Certainly, I would vote for a qualified woman who was not a mother.

Thank you Connie. So few is it that mothers are accepting of our decision. I very much agree with your post. Women who have kids often do have a different outlook on things, not better or worse, just different. However, it has no relevence in job qualification but as I mentioned earlier, I would question how frequently young children will interfere with the job.

I saw a clip of this on The View's website. I've never seen the show, but it was interesting that 3 out of the 4 hosts felt it doesn't matter. Only 1 was talking about how being a mother makes you more compassionate. I hate to say this, but I see mothers all the time who have zero compassion for their kids or for anyone else. Not all are like this, but just because you're a mother doesn't mean you have a heart.

Anyway, Barbara Walters started talking about women who are very powerful political figures who aren't married and don't have children. Condoleeza Rice, Sonja Sotomayor, etc.

It is a very interesting topic. There was a time when teachers weren't allowed to be married or have children. Nowadays, it doesn't really matter. Although I have had people tell me that I can't be a good teacher if I don't have kids of my own. Funny, but the principals I worked for and the other teachers I worked with and the thousands of kids I've taught for a 16-year period never once told me that. The people who did tell me this were not in education and happened to be parents. I had never given them any advice about their kids either. They just felt like making a comment to belittle me.

I don't think having kids makes you any better than anyone else. I think it might make you more tired though. Maybe a bit more stressed too.

I have to be honest and say that I think having children should be a barrier to office. I believe the person's biggest priority should be their 'subjects' and that this cannot be the case if someone has a family (well it shouldn't be if they are to be a good parent). I would far prefer to vote in a candidate with no children, parental status has no bearing whatsoever on someone's ability, intelligence, or levels of compassion, just on how dedicated they can truly be to the job!

reading your post happyone, I was struck when you said some parents say you can't be a good teacher if you have no children of your own, and other such belittling comments. I have been the subject of similar belittling comments throughout my life, (Not very often, but I'm sure everyone has, without kids ) and it's always difficult how to respond. I don't think there's anything more nasty that someone could say to a woman without kids. ( what if they'd all burned to death in a fire, or any other nightmare scenario, or you've tried, really wanting them and failed, let alone just the choice of wanting to be cf .) It is safe to say, I hate these sort of people, as in my view it seems that these comments are motivated by either ignorance or jealousy. I feel it is the same sort of people that tell the world - I am better than him/her because I have kids . Wow, good for you, let's hear a fanfare, and give you a medal. - trouble is, they wouldn't see the joke in that !