Monday, July 12, 2010

Myths of a SAHM

SAHM- Stay At Home Mom

1. I sit on the couch and eat bon-bons all day while watching soap operas. This could be further from the truth. First, what in the heck is a bon-bon? Anyway, occasionally, I will take a nap or watch a tv show (not soaps) while Audrie is napping- you would too if your job was 24/7. However, most naps are used for me to take a shower, do the dishes, read my Bible, clean the kitchen, clean the living room, do laundry, pay bills, wash diapers, etc...

2. I am lucky. Sometimes when I tell someone I stay at home with Audrie, they say you are so lucky. Luck has nothing to do with it. I am very blessed that my husband understands my heart and supports it 100%.

3. After someone says I am lucky, they say, I wish I could stay at home but we cant afford it. I understand in some instances this really is the case. However, what I would like to say back to people is...you could stay at home, you would just have to change your status of living. You might not be able to own a house, or drive the car you want, etc... You could stay home, things would just change alot. Which it has for us. What you mean to say, is you cannot keep your status of living and stay at home with your child(ren)...there is a difference.

4. It is easy. Being a stay-at-home mom is the hardest thing I have ever done. It is 24/7. When I get sick, there is no were for Audrie to go. When I need to run an errand or go to a doctor's appt for myself, I have a child with me. All my energy and attention goes into a baby except for during naps and when she goes to sleep.

5. It is for everyone. I have come to find that many women do not care to stay home with their children because they would rather work. I understand every one and every family is different. Being a SAHM is part of who I am. I was born to be a mom. Its what I always wanted. All I want to do is stay home and raise children. I completely think this is a individual decision for each family, I do not think one is right and one is wrong.

I have debated a long time over posting something about being a SAHM, but recently, I have gotten tired of people sayings things, like, I am jealous you get to stay at home. I dont GET to stay at home, I CHOOSE to stay at home.

My family has had to make sacrifices for me to stay at home. But this is so temporary. Yes, I could work and make some extra money for us, but life right now is priceless. Getting to spend everyday with my child is something I WILL NEVER and COULD NEVER get back. I would rather live in cardbox box and be home with my child.

Whew, that felt good.

4 comments:

Keli said...

Thanks for this post! I understand where you're coming from 100%!

Kristen T said...

Thank you for sharing this. I have never felt like being a SAHM (I think that is awesome that you have) but since having Aubrey..I really want to! My heart has really changed since becoming a mom. We are still praying about what to do.

lindsey said...

I appreciate you saying this as well. I am always afraid to say something because I don't want to step on anyone's toes, but I agree. I agree that it is an individual decision and that God leads some moms on different paths...after all, I don't feel God calling me to homeschool (right now anyway), and I would love for Anniston's teachers to be believers! I think we all can agree that the Lord and our families come first no matter what. It's so tough and so rewarding to be at home...I feel super blessed and super exhausted to be here :).

OH, and I LOVE your special day plate! Now I want one like yours! ha

Carey said...

Great post! I completely agree! I work part time (from home) so I get to spend every waking moment with my girl! It was a sacrfice but like you said I'm blessed that my husband not only supports me but Loves that I'm home raising our girl!