"Lattemamma" vs. "Hemmafru"

It is very trendy to be a "lattemamma" = "Café Latte Mom". They are associated with middle-high class moms that walk around the city during their maternity leave, shopping or socializing with a coffee latte in one hand and a baby stroller in the other. (Since, baby strollers have the same status-symbol that cars have in the US, you can guarantee this is a crucial topic to discuss while pregnant.) Might I add that Lattemammas do this effortlessly in sexy, heeled boots despite the cold weather and inner-city cobelstone streets and their babies never cry.

There is an entire industry geared for these moms since maternity leave is so long (see previous blog). They have latte-mom vacations, spa days, movie theater showings, exercise/yoga classes, etc.

"Hemmafru" = "Stay-at-home Mom" doesn't have the same appeal. This is a negative word in Sweden associated with career-less housewives that sit in a mass of chores, changing diapers all day. Since the government initiatives to keep both parents at work and still have children are so incredible, the idea of choosing to be a housewife is just not accepted or understood.

But heck, some latte-moms start liking the latte-life - they might have 1 more kid or drag out their maternity leave time a little longer by decreasing the amount time/money per month. Well, after 3-4 yrs, they are practically housewives.

Well call it what you want - temporary Hemmafru or permanent Lattemamma, I'm in!


(Our babystroller)