I Am A Stay At Home Mom

Never once in the 6 1/2 years since Braeden was born have I questioned my choice to be a stay at home mom. There have certainly been times when it would have made a huge difference to have a second income, but together Roman and I had decided that we would make it work with me at home. Growing up I always thought I would be a working mom. I couldn't see myself being home all day not accomplishing something tangible in the world. I just knew I would have it all. But when I got pregnant with Braeden and our situation was different and there was a possibility that I wouldn't be able to stay home, I realized that in fact that was exactly what I wanted to do.

Honestly for all but the last few months I haven't really thought about this choice at all. I am a stay at home mom. That is my job and my role in the world at this point in time. I take my kids to and from school, hang out with whoever is home during the day and stay busier than I ever thought possible.

But recently I have been (perhaps overly) sensitive to the comments around me about how other moms work and have jobs. I must have time because I don't work. I can do whatever I want when I want to do it because I don't have to go to work. I simply don't understand how valuable their time is because I have all the time in the world. Often times it isn't even being said directly to me but instead conversations going on around me. I don't think that anyone is purposefully knocking my choice, but in every way shape and form that is exactly how it feels. I end up feeling like they think I took the easy way out by not trying to do both.

I am not questioning my decision. I will happily fill my role as personal assistant, chauffeur, cook, teacher, maid, etc. to my children for as many years as I can. I am happy to be home with them. I enjoy being home with them.

I am very happy to be a stay at home mom. I would just like to feel that other people see the value in my choice as well. But as Roman has said to me over and over again, it's not about what other people think. He is supportive of my choice and loves me for it. My children love me for it. And he's right; that should be enough.