By Kathleen Guthrie Woods
First I scan the headlines of the breaking news. If something catches my eye, I might read the whole article. Then I return to the home page and glance through the categories: local, entertainment, opinion, food, living…. What the fruitcake? Four out of the five featured stories in the “living” section are about parenting!
I’ve somewhat resigned myself to the reality that “women’s” magazines are thinly veiled publications for “mommies,” but this is getting ridiculous. With a category as broad as “living,” possible topics are limitless. How about profiles of people doing good works, stories about working stiffs who ditched “secure” corporate jobs and pursued their passions to great success, hidden gems for travelers, or tips on how to make a house/apartment/trailer a welcoming home?
For just a moment I’m tempted to write a letter to the editor. But you know what, I think I’d rather spend my free time pursuing the art of living fully.
Still, I’m frustrated. I like keeping up-to-date on news, styles, etc., and I’d really like to avoid the baby-bump updates.
If you subscribe to a printed or online periodical that is balanced in its coverage, leave a comment and let us know.
Kathleen Guthrie Woods is a Northern California–based freelance writer. She is mostly at peace with her childfree status.
I’m not sure this really answers your post, but I just saw this in the Huffington Post. I’ve shared it on Facebook and have gotten some really interesting comments! Even more interesting, this was posted by a father who runs the blog Ask Your Dad.
5 Things Parents Need to Stop Saying to Non-Parents
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-kinnear/5-things-parents-need-to-stop-saying-to-non-parents_b_3573670.html
I love that post. Maybe it could open the eyes of many parents who say these things. I’ll bet we’ve all heard at least a few of those comments from our friends who are parents. I find that Oprah’s magazine is not “mommy-obsessed” and has some interesting and informative articles about strong, independent women.
I’ve read the last two issues of More and found it to be well balanced. It seems to be targeting the 30-40 year old crowd. There is are occasional references to parenting but they are pleasantly few and far between.