Thoughts from a Stay-at-Home-Mom

The last thing I want to get into that age-old debate between working and stay-at-home-moms (SAHM) – that’s basically tantamount to discussing religion or politics – I am not prepared to go there!  Honestly, I have been on both sides – and I am a firm believer that everyone must do what is best for their particular family.  There is no right or wrong. One mom does NOT have it any easier or harder than the other (in my humble opinion) – there are pros and cons to both.

However, I was recently informed that because I am a SAHM, I have plenty of time on my hands as opposed to working Moms. I was also told by someone else that I should now find a full-time job and work from home because, now that the kids are old enough to play together, I can work all day while they play. Honestly, this fires me up, especially considering that the people who made those comments are close to our family and not random acquaintances (and I also know for a fact that they read this blog!).

Seriously? 

They are two – not ten.  They need constant supervision, and unlike some, I choose not to have the television raise my children (that’s not to say that they never watch television – they certainly get their fair share!). That being said, it us up to me to provide adequate means of entertainment and outlets for getting out that toddler energy. And this means from the moment they wake (6 – 7 AM, to the moment they get into bed (7 – 7:30 PM).  Aside from the few days that Mike is home, it is all me – all day and everyday.

This IS my job – my full-time, no vacation days, no sick days, 24/7 job. 

I take my job very seriously – as seriously as I did in my “real” job in the corporate world.  Back then, I won awards, earned promotions and raises, and rose through the ranks of my chosen profession very quickly.  I was living in Holland, on the company dime, by age 23.  

I traveled overseas numerous times and flew all over the US – even drove across the country from Miami to San Diego three times (a drive I highly recommend!!)  I lived in New York City, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Raleigh, Washington, DC and finally Charlotte - all before the age of 28.  I gave all I had to my job – 100% - that is just who I am as a person.   

And the same is true for me today - I give all I have to my job – 100%. 

My job is to raise Ella and Aidan.  Not just play with them like a babysitter or to send them outside to play unsupervised, but to raise them into well-mannered, well-rounded little toddlers who then become well-mannered, well-rounded little adults.

I am a chef.  It is my job to do the grocery shopping and to provide healthy, well-balanced meals for the family.  Make a meal, serve a meal, clean up the meal, clean up everything else.

I am a maid.  It is my job to keep the laundry done, and the house organized, clean, and presentable to anyone at any time. I may not be perfect on this one, but I am darn good! Toddlers (and husbands!) are messy – enough said.

I am an event planner.  It is my job to schedule playdates and to research fun, age appropriate activities for both friends and family. Exposure to new places and things is not only fun, but also nurtures those sweet little minds!  

I am a nurse.  It is my job to be “in the know” about all health related items, maintain their pediatrician visits and records and to kiss away the pain from bumps and scratches.

I am a teacher.  It is my job to ensure that Ella and Aidan are learning and growing a little bit more each day.   Time spent learning colors, letters, numbers, manners, etc. is not best done by a video or television program.

I am a referee / counselor.  It is my job to provide a good example for my children, and to steer them in the best direction with the choices they make. To keep them from harming themselves or others and to counsel them when they are older and find themselves in a tough situation.

I am their Mother.  This IS my job!