While searching the Sun Journal online, I came across a column that was replying to another column regarding the stability of a family with two working parents.

The original guest column by Sybilla Pettingill (Aug. 28) stated that the mothers of families should not work but, instead, stay home and tend to the children. The column written in response, “Two working parents can do just fine,” by Jennifer Radel and Will Fessenden (Sept. 4), is quite the other side of the pendulum, saying that it is necessary to have two working parents in a family for a good role model and family stability.

Although I do agree with Radel and Fessenden, they seem to be missing one key point: that not all families are of only two children. There may be a need for a stay-at-home parent for larger families who cannot afford a babysitter. Pettingill’s article, although extreme, does present certain perks because the mother is able to give a more structured childhood.

There is no set rule for any family. The number of family members and whether the parents have a full- or half-time job dictates more what is healthy and stable for a family.

I am a 13-year-old son with two other children in the household; both parents have always worked, but with one at or close to home. It has worked well.

Like most things in life, to have a successful family, there needs to be a balance of both extremes.

Carter LaBrecque, Sabattus