I am a stay at home mommy. That doesn’t mean I don’t work. In fact, I work twice as hard as any other job I’ve ever had only I don’t get a paycheck. Instead I get paid with kisses, hugs, “I Love You”s, “I Hate You”s, smacks and tears.
It doesn’t mean I’m lazy or useless. It means I sacrifice myself and my own goals every day for the happiness and wellbeing of my family.
It doesn’t mean my family is always happy or that we are “well off”. It means I struggle every day with myself and within my marriage over the choice of whether or not to not provide my family with an income.
It doesn’t mean I’m worthless. It means I’m priceless and that we as a family value my time with our children more than we would a few extra bucks each month.
It doesn’t mean I value every second I get to spend with my children. It means I value being able to shape their character and guide their moral compass while they are small.
It doesn’t mean I do everything right or that I’m a perfect role model. It means I’m human and I show my children how to make mistakes and learn from them.
It doesn’t mean I know everything. It means I know when to take a break, walk away and ask for help.
I am a stay at home mommy and all that means is that I love my children with all my heart and have chosen to give them everything I have day in and day out.
I don’t get vacation time, sick time, personal days, coffee breaks, health benefits or even a lunch break but I work harder than I ever have in my life because no job I have ever done has been more important.
Love this! I’m a stay at home mom, sacrificed my own successful job to make sure my daughter didn’t have to go to a daycare and be away from me.
It’s a really hard decision to make but something about being with your kids makes every struggle worthwhile!
Brava, Melissa! I was an accidental SAHM when I lost my job a couple years ago. I have since returned to the workforce, but I got a taste of the struggle and salvation :)
I don’t know that I ever expected to be a full-time stay at home mommy for this long and I have so much respect for the mommies who work because I’ve considered going back but I can’t wrap my head around how we would possibly make it work for our family. You working mommies really are super women!
You summed it wonderfully. It is not an easy decision to remain a SAHM. I’m visiting from SitsBlogging share on Facebook.
Thanks for stopping by, Bonnie! It definitely is not an easy decision but it’s worth all the stress and struggle to me.
Beautiful. Money is not all in this life, and our children grow really quickly so enjoy your time with them.
It is good that you also allow yourself to not be perfect because that is just unnecessary pressure and that you allow some yourself time, like for example to write this blog.
Cheers!
Thanks, Amaia! I am far, far, far from perfect but I see my imperfections as teachable moments for my children. When I make a mistake (and there are many every day), it gives me the opportunity to show my children how to come out of it humbly and gracefully.
I love how you can see both sides of the issue! I stay home with my boys as well, it was a very important choice that my husband and I made but after four years of it I’m finding it harder to be graceful about living in toddler land. Thank you for reminding me why I chose this.
I’ve lived both sides as well and I think that has made me more appreciative of the great things about being home though it doesn’t take away the struggle and self doubt about the decision!
I love “I’m priceless”. LOVE it. Because we are!! Visiting from SITS
They should totally make a MasterCard commercial about us!
I am one, too, and wouldn’t trade the experience for anything in the world. Great post!
Agreed, MB!
Amen! I worked my entire life before becoming a SAHM, and this is definitely the hardest job I’ve ever had. It took me over a year to get used to staying home, but for now this is what works best for our family. Great post!
I’ve been at this SAHM thing for 5 years now and STILL don’t feel like I’ve got a handle on it! Mommyhood is ever changing.