the mom debate

I read an article today in the Washington Post about "young" moms. The article noted that only 31% of women with 4 year degrees have children during their 20s, and only 13% of men. Of course, this was the topic of my lunch conversation with Brian. In many of the articles that I read about young motherhood, young parents are complaining about the a social rift separating them from their childless or unmarried friends. Carl and I have never felt this way...and I don't imagine that we will. Brian suggested that its all in the way that you define yourself. Of course being a great mom is first on my list of priorities, but I don't define myself by my motherhood, just like I don't define myself by my job or even the degree that I've earned. Many of my friends have been along for the ride for quite some time, helping me transition from my boy-crazy teen years to my more "mature" ways. Why shouldn't they be there for the transition into motherhood, acting as voices of reason from the outside world during those first sleepless nights? Although generally we are one of the first of our small group to take these life-steps, our friends are right there next to us, supporting and applauding all the way, just as we will be for them!
I'm interested how life will change for us when the girls go to first grade. When the girls make friends in a school-setting we will have to interact with older parents. What will we think of them? What will they think of us? Will there be the generational divide that the article describes? By this time next year I will be in my last class for my masters program (provided there are no setbacks), I wonder if that will put me in a whole other range of stats.

Hey at least we're moving in a different direction from the working vs. stay at home debates!