http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1810025319/video/15003090
I'm not sure if I'll like the movie or not. There are some things that look pretty realistic, and of course some things that are extreme. That's Hollywood for you. But the trailer got me thinking...
Before I was a stay-at-home mom, I worked for 5 years as a social worker with handicapped infants and toddlers. The job was very demanding, emotionally draining, and extremely rewarding. I was busy, busy, busy...or so I thought.
Staying at home with my first daughter was an adjustment, but I never desired to return to my old job. She was an easy baby--slept a lot, generally happy, etc. A couple of years later, we added daughter #2. That's when life as a stay-at-home mom began to change. Then daughter #3 came along, and now in a few months--daughter #4! I had NO IDEA how much work would be involved in having a family. I had NO IDEA how much chaos would ensue at my house. I had NO IDEA how exhausted I would be.
But I also had NO IDEA how much joy would come from watching my children learn and grow. It is truly the greatest blessing in my life! I now have an immense respect for women who are able and choose to stay at home with their children. For some it has required great sacrifice of material things, but it is all worth it (I recognize that some women really want to stay at home and cannot. If that is you, please do not be offended by this post).
I've been thinking about all of the jobs that are entailed in being an at-home mom. Here is the list I've come up with:
1. Teacher
2. Chef
3. Housekeeper
4. Taxi Driver
5. Psychologist
6. Nanny/Babysitter
7. Financial planner/Accountant
8. Child Development Specialist
That's a pretty extensive list, don't you think? Do you have anything to add? :)
On top of being ALL of those things (all at once, I might add), you also have to do it on very little sleep, 24 hours a day, with essentially no vacation time. There are no weekends, no summer breaks...NADA! And let's not forget that our husbands need some of our time and energy as well.
So to all of those stay-at-home moms out there, I just want to say, "You're AWESOME!"
5 comments:
Right back at you, Amy! Now that daughter #2 is here, I feel like I'll never be able to get anything done ever again! Your girls are smart and sweet, and best of all, happy. That makes you a successful mom in my book!
Amy, your girls are SO blessed to have you!!
Being a mom does teach you so much! Like you said, it can be so demanding/exhausting, and yet is so rewarding. Some days seem long, and yet the years are flying by. How do I have a third grader and a kindergartener this week?!
It's interesting that you listed the "jobs" of a mom because I'm getting ready to teach the little kids at church what they can do now to prepare to be mothers and fathers.
I always just thought my mom knew everything. Now, I realize that I'm learning as much, if not more, than my kids!
Also, up until now, we've been able to have as many kids as we wanted when we wanted them, but since Macy's been born, and I've had thyroid problems, this hasn't been the case. We have to enjoy the kids we have while we have them. We never know what the future holds, for better or for worse.
Even without working, I feel like there's never enough time in the day to get everything done or just play with my kids as much as I should. As time goes by, I'm able to let more things go that don't matter, and enjoy what really does.
WE were talking about that same thing in Relief Society today. We can do some much....
Thanks for this great post. I've been feeling very overwhelmed and burned out as a mom lately and your words were good for me to hear. It really is the toughest and most rewarding job we will ever have. I think you need to add organizer, receptionist, cook (sometimes short order cook to boot), scheduler, personal shopper, mediator, cruise director, ringmaster and unfortunately maid to your list!
YOU TOOO!!!! thanks!
Post a Comment