The Great Stay-At-Home-Mom Dilemma

Years ago when I was a teacher I worked full time, took care of the one I'll call the Man Child (a 10 year old that acts and speaks like a 30 year old man), cooked, cleaned, exercised, and.....well, you get the point. I made nasty biting remarks about SAHMs (stay at home moms) because I was juggling my career and my one lone child, and in my view doing a fine job of it.

Then I had the twins. Now 6 years old, The Determined One (thus called because she is by far the most driven child in our household) and The Flower Child (rather hippieish in nature, known to pick flowers while humming If You're Going to San Francisco) created instant chaos in our home. While sweet and absolutely two of the biggest blessings ever bestowed upon us, they changed the game. Now I was working full time, married to a paramedic who worked shifts, taking care of a 4 year old and 2 babies, and....well, you get the point. Still, I made do for another year. Then, as kids do, they got bigger. And louder. And messier. I became more stressed because I couldn't handle the never ending stream of tasks thrown my way. I began to wonder, "How am I going to continue doing this??" As it turns out God had a much different plan in mind. MOTH (my sweet husband, whom I refer to as Man of the House) decided that he was missing too much of the kids' lives. We decided to quit our jobs and try to make a go of a side business MOTH had started years before. It has been very difficult at times, but has allowed us to be with the kids more often.

So I'm a SAHM. The big problem is that I had no idea there really was no Stay At Home in Stay At Home Mom. I have never watched a soap opera. My house is still not clean. I have exchanged work hours for running errands all over town, volunteering, carpooling, and juggling kids activities. I work, but I don't get paid and there are very few "off" hours. I thought it would let up when the kids went to school, but it has only gotten worse......or better, depending on your view point. The thing is, even with all the craziness that comes from being a SAHM I wouldn't want to do anything else. I believe that it was God's plan for me to be here, doing this exact thing. I absolutely respect Moms that work. They are strong women who juggle work and home life. But let me tell you that God has taught me that being a SAHM is not for babies. No sissies allowed. I respect all the women who have made the decision to stay home because they feel they are being called to it. I think we owe each other gratitude. We need both types of moms on this crazy journey. Let's try to love each other.

"Come on people now, smile on your brother (or SAHM, or working mom, etc.). Everybody get together, try to love one another, right now." - The Youngbloods