I hate it when people say to me "I have a job, I don't have time for that" when I tell them I cloth diaper, or when I tell them that I plan on making my own baby food. I have nothing against working moms, or moms that go to school. In fact, I have quite a few friends that work or that go to school full time while raising children, but they never make me feel like less of a person for staying at home. I can't stand it when people look down on me because I choose to stay home. I don't stay at home because I'm lazy and don't want to work (an unfortunate misconception). I stay at home because I want to. I want to be here with my girls while they grow. I want to be the one to teach them their ABC's and 123's. I want to be the one that kisses the hurts and gets the snuggles at naptime. I'm lucky enough that Ben is willing to work extra hard so I can stay home with my girls. I'm lucky that he supports my decision. I'm lucky enough that he realizes, most days, how hard it is to be a stay at home mom. I wish other people were more understanding.
I can't tell you how many times I've had people ask what I do and when I say "I stay at home with the kids" they give me a look of pity. PITY! And if that's not bad enough, you should see the way they look at me when they realize I have a college degree. "What! You went to college and you don't even USE your degree?! Are you going to go back to work soon?" Um..no..actually, I'm not. You see, I already have a full time job. In fact, I work around the clock with out a break. If I'm lucky, I may get a few hours to myself during the day. IF I'm lucky the girls will nap at the same time and I'll have a chance to do the dishes or put away the laundry. If I'm REALLY lucky, I'll be able to shower with out someone coming in or the baby crying. I think the next time someone says "What do you do" I'm going to say "Well, I'm a nanny, a maid, a plumber, an accountant, an artist, a teacher, a cook and a sustainer of life." Maybe then they'll give me the respect I deserve.
You see, being a SAHM is hard work. It really is. As I'm writing this blog, I'm helping Adelae learn the sounds her letters make, nursing the baby and enjoying a cup of coffee. As hard as my job is, it's also the most rewarding. I love my "job." I love that I can use crayons all day. I love that I can hold my baby when she cries. I love that I can lay down with Adelae at naptime and have an extra long snuggle, just because I want to. I love that Adelae wants to play with me so bad she can't wait till I get out of the shower. I love that Brinna wants me so much that, at times, I'm the only one that can hold her.
In a few short years, my kids will be in school. At that point, I'll probably re-join the mainstream work-force full time. But until then, I'm a SAHM and I'm proud of it!
1 comment:
Very well said Shaun and I respect all SAHMs, as you stated you work just in a different way. You also get paid, but it is in a way that can't be taken to the local bank. Those that work outside of the home miss so much of their children's life and allow others to raise them, that may not be you your standards.
GOOD JOB, Shaun!
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