The infamous question. I used to feel so awkward when people would ask me. For some reason there is some sort of stigma associated with being a young stay at home mom. I would get some interesting looks and comments when I replied that I stayed home with my son. I guess in today's society it is expected that I would be working, or go back to work after having a baby. That'd I'd have some drive to be a successful working woman. I'm just not really sure what people expect.
But staying at home is a job, despite how it sounds. It's by far the most interesting job I've ever had, and I worked in retail for a while so that's saying a lot. (Nothing like people telling you you're incompetent and don't know how to do your job, the crazies screaming how they need their pills, developing pictures of a cats in wigs. Ah memories.)
I think the most challenging part is that I am at work from the moment I wake up. As soon as I hear the little nugget in the room next to me cooing and talking to his feet (he has footie pjs that have animals for the feet), it's a go. There is no time for me to eat breakfast at a normal pace (I now inhale food), make a cup of coffee and enjoy it as I read the paper (ok, we don't get the paper), watch the news, shower, what have you. When my eyes open, my day begins (with a dirty diaper no less). Sure, I could wake up at 5 am and have an hour or so to myself, but let's be honest, I love me some sleep.
Stay at home moms don't get enough credit. They literally spend every moment of the day caring for someone else, putting someone else's wants and needs before their own. It's not easy.
I am responsible for another life all day every day. I am a teacher, chef, entertainer, maid, nurturer, sleep specialist, chauffer, best friend, therapist, mentor, disciplinarian, social events coordinator, mind reader, and more everyday. That's pretty heavy. So, when a 20-something peer says to me, "Well, that's one way to get out of working!" when I tell her I stay at home with my son, my natural instinct is to punch her in the face. (No, I didn't. I just gave her the stink eye.)
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Ohh my - came to check out your blog via the PTI forum and found a like-minded friend! I am also a stay-at-home mom. My day doesn't end at 5 and truthfully, it never starts at 8 either... I totally understand your perspective. And crafting? Crafting is my haven! I can't wait to see what you create.
ReplyDeleteYou siad it perfectly. I stay home with my almost 4 year old, 2 year old and am expecting number 3 in February. I also work from home doing transcription so my days are long and very trying at times. Totally understand where you're coming from! Can't wait to see your creations. There's just not enough time in the day to do it.
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way when I stayed at home. (I am back at work now, I teach school- my kids are both in school). I used to tell people the work isnt hard but its exhausting. Its not hard to play with the kid all day but its exhausting. And also kind of thankless too. At the time I stayed home all my friends were mostly childless and still working so I felt pretty isolated.
ReplyDeleteWell said! I love your perspective. I was a young SAHM, too, while the rest of my friends were still single and developing their careers. It was difficult to find common ground. It has been 15 years and 6 kids later, but I haven't regretted my decision to stay home for one single minute. It takes courage and strength and every ounce of patience. It is a different line of work, but it's the most worthwhile. It is a marathon and not a sprint. Kudos to you!
ReplyDeleteI have been a SAHM since my first daughter was born in 1999...almost 12 years. I do not regret it, nor do I card what others think! LOL! It is the hardest job I've ever done! Good for you making the choice to stay home!
ReplyDeleteMy sister is a SAHM to my 2 beautiful nieces (3 years old and 7 months) and I wouldn't want it any other way. I cannot imagine someone else caring for them the way she does. Can her days be trying and frustrating? Absolutely! But the dividends are paid in pictures from my niece and cute stories about things my niece said. My husband and I are both lawyers and don't have children, but, my sister's job is harder than mine is any day of the week. Be proud of what you do because nobody is better suited to raise your son than you are!
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