‘There are no breaks and no bonus': Proud trad wife barks back at critics who ‘think being at home isn't real work'
A modern-day 'Leave It To Beaver' family.
In an era when many women are trying to step away from traditional gender roles, Maria West is doing the complete opposite — by proudly owning the title of being a 'trad wife.'
The Seattle woman loves nothing more than being a stay-at-home mom and wife while her real estate husband goes out to work all day.
Most of the days, the 30-year-old can be found at home fulfilling her homemaking duties, taking care of her family and tending to their home — and she does it all while wearing a full face of makeup, sometimes a sundress and a smile on her face.
'I don't want to look like one of the boys,' the mother-of-two told What's The Jam.
3 This mom of two feels fulfilled by being a trad wife.
Jam Press/@mariahelenexo
'Even in the chaos of motherhood, I want to feel soft, beautiful and grounded.'
The 30-year-old said it's not vain of her to want to look and feel good while she's tending to the needs of her family.
'I want to reflect love and care for my home, my husband and my children – and that starts with how I carry myself,' she told the outlet.
3 'Even in the chaos of motherhood, I want to feel soft, beautiful and grounded,' West said.
Jam Press/@mariahelenexo
'Sometimes it's a full face of makeup and a dress, other days it's a brushed ponytail and a matching lounge set – but I always try.'
West acknowledges that her attitude is quite unique — especially these days.
'Culture tells women to fear getting left behind, to hustle, to choose independence over intimacy. My rebellion is building something with my husband and showing my children that motherhood is powerful, not passive,' she said.
And this mom isn't the only one embracing the sourdough making, dinner on the table by 6 p.m. lifestyle.
3 West thinks women shouldn't view motherhood as a negative thing.
Jam Press/@viktoriia.photo
A California mom and influencer, Gretchen Adler lives a similar life — yet takes her Suzy Homemaker ways a step further.
Adler has gone viral on social media for her time in the kitchen making unprocessed versions of classic junk food for her family, like homemade Cheez-Its and Oreos.
'I think a lot of women are looking for this lifestyle,' Adler, 38, told The Post.
'They want to take back their homes. They want to get out of the fast-paced lifestyle of the job environment, the boss babe mentality, and they just want to be home.'
'I don't think it needs to have a negative connotation at all,' she added.
And despite these women receiving criticism from others — they seem rather unfazed by it.
'Some people assume that choosing home means you're repressed or small-minded, which is wild considering I'm just over here making soup and minding my own business,' West told What's The Jam.
'And if anyone still thinks being at home isn't real work, I invite them to keep a toddler alive, fed and off the kitchen counters for 12 hours straight – [where there are] no breaks and no bonus,' she said.
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