Why did we ever allow real estate developers to monopolize the term “homebuilder”? People who invest the best years of their lives in creating a physical and emotional nest in which to nurture and build the lives of others have a more accurate claim on the term. Those in the construction industry who do the bulldozing, the carpentry, wiring, etc. of residences — perhaps they should start calling themselves “house-builders” or “residence-builders.”

It is high time that mothers who make this investment demand a little more respect. If you identify as the builder of a home — as someone whose creativity is tied most closely to nurturing your family in a place you call home — you should at least be permitted to answer the question, “What do you do?” with something precise.