Had you met me even 5 years ago this would have been my opening statement: “Hello, my name is Francis. I have served in the Navy, I have traveled the world, I got a degree in Computer Information Systems, and I’m so excited about Working!!”
I was a walking resume! I thought if I just said “Hello, My name is Francis. I am a stay at home Mom.” It wasn’t enough? Enough for me or for my friends? I just wanted to be more!! My boys were young and I was new at the “Mom” thing! I was taking for granted the huge title “Mom” is!!
The responses when I say today: “I am a stay at home Mom” are: “Are you looking for work”, “Must be nice”, “You want to stay home?”. Very seldom does someone just say “Awesome” and mean it! My Husband said that it was because it was no longer common to have a single income family. Is that it??
I mean why can’t we praise “Stay at Home Mom’s” a bit more? Not that praise is needed but accepted. I am bringing back the “Stay at Home Moms” position in a good way!!
No longer will I introduce myself with my past experiences or titles. I am finding an amazing joy in being a Stay at Home Mom, and I want that to define me! I am now simply: Francis the Stay at Home Mom! Who are you?
P.S. I can’t imagine what “Stay at Home Dads” have to deal with! If it is easier or if we make it personal? I would love to hear from you!
Excellent post. I find myself belittling my SAHM status all too often and posted about it (sort of) last week. I am learning that if I don’t value or respect what I do, then other people won’t, either. If you are interested, here’s a link:
http://abbyandizzysmom.blogspot.com/2010/04/i-yam-what-i-yam-which-is-not-just-mom_12.html
I recent met a woman who has written many books on this subject. When I told her I was “fortunate enough to stay at home with my daughter,” she said, ‘You’re not fortunate, you made a choice.’
To me, I agree, but I’m also fortunate enough to MAKE that choice! Great post! Thanks to Erin for directing me to it!
We are fortunate!! We did make a choice and that is key! Double income would be nice but being home for our kiddos is priceless!
I completely agree with you! We have to own our title as Moms and carry it well!! I truly enjoyed your blog!! Thank you for sharing!
I never have said such cruel words to SAHM’s. Both my BFF and sister were SAHM’s at one point. Those women had longer hours, more days, and fewer holidays than I did as a teacher. There are no start/stop hours when you are a mom. There are not any clearly defined weekends and rarely are there any holidays. You guys are parent, counselor, nurse, maid, teacher, maid, play partner, maid, cook/chef, instructional artist, maid, referee, personal shopper, chauffeur, maid, and CEO…all before most of us have had our mid-morning break. Whenever I meet a woman for the first time and we are getting to know each other, I will ask, “Do you work in the home or outside of the home.” Because you guys WORK your tushies off just as much (if not more) than those of us out in the rat race.
I know you guys do NOT have the time nor the inclination to lounge around eating bonbons, watching soap operas.
You, my love, have the best job in the world and I applaud you!
Love friends like you!! More people should be like you! Thank you for your kind words and for always adding so much more to my blog!! You rock!
As a SAHD I can tell you it was VERY hard. Men friends only thought I was taking a break from work and would ALWAYS ask when I was going back to (real) work. Women more or less gave me weird looks and forget participating at my boys’ school parent-teacher association! I was treated like a leper. Yeah, all the moms thought it was great but forget being invited for coffee with them afterward or hanging at the park with them while all our kids played. I learned, once the boys were in elementary school to completely FORGET those associations and give my time AND money directly to my son’s teachers! I volunteered in their classes and gave them what they personally needed. It was appreciated, I got to be with my boys in their own classrooms, and I did meet the occasional mom who under those circumstances, not with the other “girls,” was friendly and nice. One became a good friend, as a matter of fact.
Now, I write all about being a dad, being a parent, blending families, and more. I look forward to reading more about your adventures as a mom – you seem to understand it is not a gender specific job!
Awesome, on the stay at home mom thing…And I mean it. One of the greatest investment any parent can make is to invest solely on your children. I’m proud of you for your decision. God bless you for it.
Thank you sharing! I appreciate your kind words and thank you sharing your blog! You have a new fan!
Thank you! I agree that our investment in our children is worth it! Nice to see you!
just found your blog and it inspiring and uplifting… to say the least i think i am getting hooked on it…. thanks for sharing ….. keep it real and enjoy every moment……
This is so much my story too! One just doesn’t know the responsibilities of raising a child until you have one. Thank you!
Great piece. I’m not a stay-at-home-mom, but have great respect for the patience and self-sacrifice that goes into SAHM-hood. Honestly, I’ve made “the choice” to go back to work, partly because it’s easier to have a high-pressured job than go solo with my son. Or rather, for me, I’ve found a balance that works for me and my family, that keeps us all sane, most of the time. I think that’s just it – for those of us who have choices – we all have to choose what works for us.
I say, next time you introduce yourself, say, “I have the best job in the world. I am a stay at home mom,” and I wonder what your response will be!
I’m so saying that!! It is great to have choices and do what’s best for our families!
I wouldn’t have it any other way!! Love being “Mom”!
I love being a stay at home mom. Since my husband joined the Army three years ago and we arrived at our first duty station I have been a stay at home wife. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I love being able to stay home and take care of our beautiful daughter.
Thank you and your husband for the commitment you have made with the United States Army!! We love our troops!! I don’t think there is a better way to spend my day than with my family!! Love being Mom!!
I think stay at home moms are the hardest working people ever… being a mom is a non-stop, 24 hour a day job. There is never a day off… I love being a mom to my two little boys more than anything in the world, but I know it’s a tough job – one that I love, though. I also work outside of the home, and I love coming home to them at the end of the day. I respect stay at home moms so, so much!
Love it Francis. I love being a stay at home, homeschooling mom! As much as I love it, it’s also the hardest job I’ve ever done. I know soon enough this season will come to an end and I want to remember this as a time I’m thankful for.