Why I Am a Stay at Home Mom
“What do you do?”
“I’m a stay at home mom.”
“Ohh I could NEVER do that! What do you think you’ll do when the kids get older?”
I’ve had this conversation numerous times. I’m not sure exactly what it is, but I’m often questioned as to why I am a stay at home mom.
Isn’t it hard? Don’t you get bored? What do you do all day?
These are all innocent questions, but with each question slowly the value of a SAHM seems to decrease. It’s not a glamorous job. Yet when we make these remarks we focus on the potential downsides of being a SAHM instead of reflecting on the blessings and benefits of staying at home.
Believe it or not you can find purpose when you stay at home.
So why am I a stay at home mom? As a young girl I wanted to be JUST LIKE MY MOM. I couldn’t wait for the day where I had my own children.
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See my mom was an awesome stay at home mom. She made it look easy and enjoyable! I believe I desired this as a young girl because I so appreciated and respected what my mom did.
I thought it was the highest calling, admirable and the best way to live as an adult woman. Then somewhere along the lines I started doubting this…
Let me start from the beginning. I feel truly blessed that I am able to make the decision if I want to work or stay at home. I know not everyone has a choice. When our daughter was first born we decided it would be best for me to stay at home for her first year. Then as time went on I continued to stay at home and we were able to financially make this work.
- Do I sometimes wish I had a break? Yes.
- Do I wish I had more adult interaction? Yes.
- Do I desire some “me” time without anyone asking me for help? Of course!
Motherhood isn’t easy! Whether you work or stay at home, you will face challenges. I’m not sure there is a perfect answer for finding satisfaction in child rearing… I wouldn’t trade my “job” as a stay at home mom for the world yet sometimes I feel pressure from society to do more.
I often find myself saying “I’m just a stay a home mom…” As if being a stay at home mom isn’t good enough.
Why does society make you feel inferior if you don’t do it all?
We need to stop with the “you are not enough” stuff! You are enough! Whether you work at an office or at home, no matter what you do, you are enough. God created you for a purpose. You were chosen for this.
Now do I think you should feel guilty if you don’t stay at home or if you financially need to work to make ends meet? Certainly not. I’m not judging either choice, to stay at home or to work.
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I just want to share my thoughts as a stay at home mom because I’m tired of hearing moms say they aren’t doing enough. We need to see that raising young children, keeping an orderly house (somewhat) and creating a positive atmosphere in our home is ENOUGH.
Even if you feel you haven’t accomplished anything all day. You have. I love this quote by Andy Stanley “Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be something you do, but someone you raise.”
In life, there will be good days and bad days. There are seasons for everything. Don’t let your “job” define you. Whether you work at an office or at home, no matter what you do, you are enough. God created you for a purpose.
Why are you a stay at home mom?
I started to say that I am a new stay at home mom, but its been a little over three years now. Having worked all my life, it was a hard transition for me to go from Full Time Working Mom to Stay At Home Mom, but I was blessed to have the opportunity to do it. Even if I didn’t fell blessed at first after getting laid off. But, now that some time has passed I really do enjoy it. Being a part of their daily lives in a bigger way and being available to do things like field trips and class parties, which I never would have been able to participate in otherwise makes it great. I do understand the guilt that comes with it too. Glad to know I am not alone.
I have often found myself feeling less than due to other people’s comments. I also home school and people have opinions about that. I feel blessed than I am able to do this. It is hard when you have others making you feel like what you are doing is wrong
I am really trying to wrap my head around this stay at home mom thing. I am a stay at home mom because it is the best decision for me, I struggle to cope with work out in the world. I do bake to bring in a little income. Although hubbies salary isnt enough he is in full time mission work (as a counsellor). We have moved in by family coZ we cant afford our own place. We pay a small amount of rent where we stay. I am struggling to figure out my purpose in all of this. What are your thoughts and how would you makethe best of this. Thank you for your amazing articles
Different seasons of our life can cause us to question our purpose. I find if I focus on what is important early in the day (for me that’s Heavenly things and sharing the love of Christ), then it’s easier to see my purpose in the day. Not to say I don’t ever question it… I’ve also found planning out my day, writing to-do lists and finding my own interests/hobbies helps.