I am incensed that the topic of work/life balance is back in the spotlight just because a woman with young children is putting her hat in the ring to take on a major leadership role. I’m mad not because work/life balance isn’t a worthy topic (it is one close to my heart) but because of the context in which it is being raised.

Did anyone ask about how much time Obama would have to spend with his young kids when he announced his candidacy?

Why the different standards for parenting between men and women? This issue has NEVER come up for a man. Just because we’re moms DOESN’T MEAN we’re not serious about our work. And just because we work DOESN’T MEAN we don’t love our kids and aren’t serious about being a good parent.

In other countries and cultures, being a parent – especially a mom – is almost a GIVEN. Family is an important part of their culture that doesn’t stop with children. Family in other cultures often includes parents, cousins, aunts, etc. Only in America do we make having family responsibilities a negative reflection on our abilities to do our job effectively.

The article on the front page of the Baltimore Sun had some good points on this topic. Some other similar questions on the table around Governor Palin’s nomination:

- Can Sarah Palin be the VP while raising a family? OF COURSE SHE CAN. Will it be easy? No! But what is? Did she jump into this without thought and conferring with her husband and family? Not likely.

- What are the key things that she needs to do to make it work? This is the not the first leadership position she has been in, though it will likely be the most demanding job she’s ever had. As most working mothers know, it takes a lot of outside support for any working mother to also raise her family.

- How will she be able to balance being VP and being a mom? Like every other working mom with a demanding job. She’ll miss some soccer games (I have!) and won’t be there for every party at school. Families come in all shapes and sizes and there are plenty of messed up kids from homes where the mom didn’t work at all. My own mom stayed at home and I get into PLENTY of trouble.

Whether you work outside the home or not is NOT a measure of your abilities or commitment as a parent. Likewise, just because you have young kids doesn’t mean you’re less committed to your job. Weren’t there Kennedy children playing around the oval office?

Let’s just get on with this and focus on the REAL issues surrounding this election: Iraq, energy independence,  health care, taxes, the economy….etc…etc…etc…