Recently, I've seen an abundance of posts on Facebook made by my stay at home mom friends that talk about being a stay at home mom and how hard it is. As a "working mom" these posts make me stop and think about my own world as a "working mom" and I started thinking about my opinions on these posts. While I DO NOT doubt that being a stay at home mom is hard work (I am kinda doing it right now and it is definitely a selfless job, where your world is devoted to your little people), I think these posts need to be changed to include being a parent in general as being the hardest job in the world! Whether you're a stay at home mom, a working mom, a stay at home dad, or a working dad...it is hard! And, while I am biased (because I am a mom, not a dad), I feel that being a mom in general is the hardest thing I will ever do in my life. It's not hard because I am a working mother and it's not hard because I am at home right now, it's hard because, as a mom, I am constantly trying to catch up with life and working as hard as I possibly can so that my kids can have the very best life!
I love being a mom, but I do know that it can be very overwhelming at times- like today, when I left the house with both boys in tow to run a few errands, by myself, for the first time! Life definitely threw me some curve balls today, but I've learned to either dodge the ball or get hit square in the head by the ball and laugh at myself! As mothers we are constantly trying to perfect our children's worlds and I'm not sure if this will ever happen, but I'm gonna keep on trying! Where we get caught is when we try to be "super mom" and we don't stop to soak up the moments in our lives that really matter with and for our children.
So...if you're one of those friends who has posted about the hardships of being a stay at home mom- please know that you are right- the purpose of this isn't to bring you down- the purpose of this post is just my thoughts on the hardships on being a parent...or a mom, in general. As a working mother, it's hard. It's hard when I'm at work (with constant thoughts of my children and hoping I've made the best decisions possible for them) and it's hard when I'm at home in keeping up with the housework and having quality time with my boys. But, I think that every decision that we make for our kids, whether it be as a mom who stays home with her kiddos or one that works, is making that decision with the best possible intentions for their family and their kids. For me, working is the best option for my family- I can provide a great income for my family and my kids are better for having me work...whereas, a lot of my good friends are staying home with their kids, because that is what works for their family.
This is just something that's been on my mind lately...I am thankful for my time at home with my boys and I know how much it means to my family and for me, emotionally, as a parent. Thank God for those of you who have the stamina to stay home with your kids (and those of you who watch other's kids), but, more importantly, thank God for every caring parent in this world!
2 comments:
I totally agree that parenting is hard no matter what angle you come at it. Some parents "parent" from another state, some are step parents, some work outside the home, some stay home....I agree that some posts/statements by stay at home moms seem to sound superior and as a stay at home mom I would hope to never insinuate my choice to stay home is "harder." Some days I wish I had a job, some days I'm glad I don't. With parenting that is pretty much the gist of most situations - you are never 100% sure you are making the right choice, but you sure hope that you are!
Courtney- This is exactly what I was trying to say! You are such a good mom and you never sound superior or anything like that- I think sometimes all of us moms want to be superior, but we all have to remember that, in the end, we all have the same mindset- to do the best for our children!! :) I'm with you- sometimes I wish I could stay home and sometimes I am so thankful to get out of the house and do my "job." It's a choice that we all make and either way- it sure is a bumpy road, but one that I choose to drive down every day!! :)
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