Here are 6 things stay-at-home moms want the world to know about them (spoken in their own words):
“Just because I ‘stay at home’ doesn’t mean I have all the time in the world.”
It’s one of the biggest misunderstandings the world has of us. In fact, it’s been said to me often, “you must have all the time in the world since you stay at home.” Wrong! So wrong! When you factor in getting kids ready for school, packing lunches, going through school bags, jumping in the van the instant they’re on the bus to make it to a doctor’s appointment with my younger children, grocery shopping, and running errands, you just lost the morning!
I haven’t even made it to the afternoon yet. That’s packed with more errands, stopping by the school to volunteer, trying to fit a nap in for my younger kids, cleaning the house from the morning routine, and then welcoming the little darlings off of the bus, so they can undo everything I just did! Then, it’s time to start dinner.
Oh, and I forgot to mention the laundry. Oh, the laundry! It never ends. I spend most of the day and into the evening getting caught up on that so my kids don’t wear dirty clothes the next day. That would, for sure, put them in therapy someday which would then add another appointment to my already packed schedule! 🙂
“This IS a career.”
And it’s just as important as yours. While you may be shaping a corporation’s future, I’m shaping a human-being’s future. I’m choosing to invest my time and energy into the next generation of leaders and world shapers. I’m not downplaying you or criticizing you at all for your career choice or what it entails. I just want you to be aware that this is a job and it is extremely important, if not, the most important in the world!
“I chose to do this.”
Nope, my husband didn’t force me to do this, nor did I feel like I couldn’t choose a career outside of my home. I made this choice willingly. It doesn’t mean that I care about my kids more than you care about yours because I chose this, it’s simply the path I chose. I did it out of love for my home and family.
“Staying at home has zero to do with my college education or intelligence.”
Fact is, I am college-educated. But if I hadn’t finished school, nor earned a degree, it’s not because I’m not smart enough, and I certainly didn’t choose to be a stay-at-home mom because I’m not smart enough to work outside of the home. Do you have any idea how my education is put to the test everyday when my kids bring their homework home? Good grief, it looks more like college work than elementary work! 🙂 I thought I already passed elementary school!
“I don’t think you’re less of a mom for not staying at home, so please do not think I’m less of a member of society because I do.”
It’s so hurtful to be looked down on or judged because I chose to stay at home with my children. It makes me feel like I’m worthless. I’m not. Like I’ve said before, I chose this path. I did it willingly. I chose it because I believe in my family and I love my household. It’s a full-time gig and it keeps me moving from sun-up until sun-down! I would never downplay your role in the workforce, so please do not downplay mine in my home!
“I’m not into Bonbons, sweat pants or soap operas, and I never will be!”
For the love of all that is good and holy, stop using this stereotype on us. I have no idea where it comes from but it is rude. Besides, if I had even the tiniest bit of time during the day (which I usually do not) I would not spend it eating something totally unhealthy nor watching weak plot lines with terrible acting. I’ll go to Panera Bread and later take in a good movie, thank you very much!
Stay-at-home moms, what else would you like to tell the world about you?
