What is a stay at home mom?
For the past 7 years I have been blessed to be able to say my job is a “stay at home mom.”
It has been absolutely wonderful and I have enjoyed every moment of it.
There have been times of frustration on doing things alone during the days and having a lot on my plate all at once. I have suffered from depression not thinking I have a “real” job or I am not doing what I went to college for.
I have spent countless days trying to find myself again, all I knew myself as was “Mom.”
I’ve been thinking a lot about heading back into the workplace.
I start to brainstorm on questions like;
What happens when I decide it’s time to head back into working?
I ask, will I fit in or will I just give up?
Will the employer give me a chance even though I can’t provide a recent work history?
What if I want to change careers?
All of these thoughts have raced through my mind.
Here is what I found out..
A stay at home mom is a parent that is providing full time care for your children.
You work for free and there is no withholding of taxes.
You provide diapers, meals, education and most importantly your time, no 9-5 work day here.
Whether or not you do become a stay at home parent it is a big decision to make.
Making it difficult in today’s world with many prices and inflation happening around us.
There is no wrong answer when you decide to do so or not.
It is all about what works best for you and your own family.
The value of a stay at home mom
I can relate to this, one thing that many stay at home moms struggle with is feeling like what they do is not significant and not meaningful.
Many believe that it’s a luxury and you may come off as lazy, uneducated and have no urge to help out their partner financially.
Let’s face it, we’re not getting pats on the back from our bosses, no paycheck and employee of the month.
But nothing could be farther than the truth.
The value of a stay at home mom is beyond compare.
You’re in control of their discipline
This might be something you’re not necessarily thinking about now however, when your children are toddlers you certainly will.
As a Stay at home mom (SAHM) you will be able to teach your child right from wrong and enforce what you have taught them when they misbehave.
Safe place for your children
Many working mothers these days need a safe place for their children to go to before and after school.
With early drop off and late pick ups we try to do what’s best for our children’s interest. Many of them need a safe place to go where they’re not alone. Whether it’s to do homework, supervise or just to hang out. With being a SAHM you’re able to provide all of that.
Saving money
In the long run you’re able to save money with expenses of paying for child care, lunches out, work clothes and a weekly full tank of gas, plus you are able to live off a smaller budget.
Your value matters and you are so strong.
Lets face it, being a SAHM is a full time job.
We can provide a full resume of multi tasking, long hours, cooking, cleaning, transportations, therapy, teaching and even an All-Star ((hug)) giver. So, if you think what you do doesn’t have value, please think again!
You’re bringing up future leaders and contributing members of our society. Your children could grow up to be anything at all and most importantly a good person.
Don’t let them bring you down
As my children are growing and getting older, I feel my purpose of being a SAHM is diminishing.
I don’t have the infant growing into young toddlers any longer.
My kids can get themselves dressed, they make their own lunches, they are respectful and are blossoming into having their own independence.
I feel many look at me in an image of…ok time to get back to work.
Yes, being a stay at home mom is a privilege.
You have to learn to have wisdom to teach your kids. Stay firm if they get out of line and know when to reward and when to take something away.
You are providing a job that little minds are admiring and looking up to.
You are the boss, you are their superhero!
So take great pride in your job.
You’re doing great and no one can dull your sparkle.
Even if you don’t wind up doing anything else other than being a mom, it is enough!
This post was written by Lauren K., and published by Convenient Counseling Services.
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