Mothers often compete with one another over who is most sacrificial. We compete in the same way that colleagues compete in the workplace. But since there is nowhere to advance to, no promotions to be had, and no end-of-year bonuses or raises to strive for, we compete for social approval from our peers, families, and husbands. Many of the choices mothers make about how to parent are influenced by the desire to be, or appear to be, as devoted as possible.
