Abstract
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to add to feminist research by asking women themselves to articulate the experiences of stay-at-home motherhood when their children became “fully involved” in school (i.e., 3rd or 4th grade) and to recognize mental health concerns these women may have. Seven themes emerged: expectations of mothering role impacts mothering experience; mother’s perception of children further separating; relationship with spouse; identity confusion, exploration, and expansion; responsibility for household; negotiating self-care; and finding support beyond the family system. These themes are discussed in full and implications for marriage and family counselors and future research are presented.
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