Friday, October 24, 2008

Misconceptions of a Stay at Home Mama

You know there are so many misconceptions out there about us stay at home moms. My least favorite one being, "she's so lucky, she doesn't have to work!" Well, the lucky part is true. I wouldn't trade anything in the world for being here with my precious gifts everyday. However, if what I do is not work then why is it that:

a.) at the end of everyday, it feels like a herd of elephants did a tap dancing number on my back

b.) I would have to tape my eyelids open to stay up any later than 10:00 because I am deliriously tired

c.) I am on call 24/7 and lunch breaks are not even a given

Another one is probably that we stay at home moms get to watch TV whenever we want, take a shower whenever we want, take naps and be bums all day.
Well, again, the being bums all day is true but not by choice. I mean, do you really think I LIKE to walk around without my teeth brushed in my pajamas for half the morning? And TV, well, that's just hilarious. Who has time for TV, unless that is that you are watching the latest episode of Dora the Explorer. And if I took a shower when I wanted to, it would be first thing in the morning when I wake up. However, usually at that time I am nursing little Joshua while promising my sobbing two year old that I will be getting her chocolate milk just as soon as Joshua finishes eating. And the nap thing, well you try to come to my house on any given day and take a nap I will pay you $100.00! And then there's the one "oh, her house must be so clean!" HA!! I am just going to let you believe that one:)
However, there is one common misconception that I wish most people truly understood. The one that goes, "but she is missing out on so much!" Let me tell you, I am not missing out on anything. Being home with my two babies is one of the truest blessings in my life, and I literally wouldn't trade it for a million dollars!!!

3 comments:

His Mercy Endureth Forever said...

AMEN and AMEN! I had a Mom from school come up to me the other day and tell me her company is laying off some people and she is thinking about volunteering because she feels like she is missing out on her kids lives. She actually said "if I had it to do over again, I would have been a stay-at-home mom!"

Sis. Gail from Camp Creek said...

You go, girl, you get another AMEN from me. I was a stay at home mom and I wouldn't take anything for being able to be that. I feel like it is a privilege and honor to raise your own children instead of someone else, and you are right, it is the hardest job anyone can have and the most important job a mother can have, but it is also the most rewarding one. Your children reap all the benefits of the best world possible-a mommy who sacrifices much to stay at home with them. It's the way God intended it to be. I realize some mothers, maybe single mothers, don't have another option except to work, but there are a lot of mothers who choose to work outside the home because it is easier than staying at home with their children, and that's a shame! Don't you let anyone make you feel like you are not doing anything; all of us moms out here who have done and who are doing what you are doing know you are working hard. I love the video of Allie, and that last picture you put in of Joshua. Both of them are adorable. Love to you all, Sis. Gail

Kelli said...

Hey Dana:) Its Kelli! We have a Blogspot also. I didnt realize you had one until I saw it on your Facebook page. Anyway I LOVE this post girl! Preach it:) I know its an old post but I love it!!!!!