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Kelli (Stay-at-home mom of Logan, 8, and Whitney, 7): I'd like to argue the term "working mother" should be banished from modern usage. As a stay-at-home mom (don't even get me started on that one), I personally resent the phrase. Whether working inside or outside the home, all mothers are working mothers. Show me a mom that isn't working tirelessly to nurture, raise, educate and elevate their kids and I'll show you The Real Housewives of Orange County.

I propose "dual-career" mother for our comrades on the paid working front of motherhood.

Jennifer (Working mom of Jacob, 5, and Caleb, 2): I like the sound of that! But don't forget all the fringe benefits you get to offset your workday. You get to socialize with other moms at the park while your kids play. You have time to volunteer in the classroom and get to witness your child's academic growth first hand. Pus, an empty house now that your kids are in school full time - you can't tell me that isn't fabulous.

K: Like raw brownie mix and a big spoon, actually.

J: Without that pesky salmonella component. The way I see it, stay-at-home moms should be classified as working mothers, but with a better benefits package. You can compare it - but you can't.

K: But look at your benefits. The satisfaction of productive, respected and paid work. Nobody's giving out bonuses here for washed, folded and put away laundry all in one day. And your contributions aren't undone with nothing to show for it as soon as a kid enters the house flinging their stuff everywhere.

Many days I miss being able to step away from it all to have adult interactions, satisfaction of appreciated work and a pay check that matches my exhaustion at the end of the day.

J: Oh, trust me, the paycheck never matches the exhaustion. I'm still doing what you're doing - making dinner, washing clothes, cleaning house, running kids to school and sports - that's all done pro bono. Imagine doing it on a compressed schedule, instead of having all day to do it.

K: Okay, so basically you're telling me to quit whining about the stay-at-home mom title and just own it.

J: Yes and also not to look behind my couch. There are probably some scary dust bunnies back there.

K: You know what? I will. It was my choice, and I'm grateful I had that choice. Many moms don't. I have huge respect for dual-career mothers and applaud the sacrifices you make to contribute to your family both inside and outside the home.

J: Thank you. I appreciate that. There are sacrifices that make being a dual-career mother a constant and guilt plagued challenge in balance. I also respect you choosing to put your professional ambitions aside to nurture your family's well-being. I don't think you can negate the talents you bring to the table through your volunteering and organization of kid's events. Let's face it, those things are important!

K: Thanks. Some days it ain't pretty but I wouldn't trade me job with Bill Gates.

J: You and me both. But I was tempted after a dual meltdown in Raley's the other day.

K: Yeah, I was ready to dust off my resume recently after finding clean, folded clothes in the dirty hamper...

Kelli Wheeler is a Sacramento stay-at-home mother of two who believes good mothers have sticky floors and dirty ovens but happy children.

Jennifer Hall is a Sacramento dual career mother of two who prowls the aisles of Bel Air in search of ready-made meals she can pass off as her own.

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