Yes, this is work
If I hear another person say “It must be nice to not have to work” I may ‘cut a bitch.’ Staying home with three kids is more work than you can imagine. I actually used to look forward to my job because it gave me a break. A 2-year-old is more demanding than any boss. This week I actually had to read her books while walking on the treadmill. My 5-year-old doesn’t care if you are saving a life. If he wants to show you something you need to drop what you’re doing. This morning I had to see what he dropped in the toilet. “It smells bad, doesn’t it,” he giggled. (From interviewing high ranking politicians, heroes and athletes to examining feces.) Plus, I have a tween who knows everything and sounds like Napoleon Dynamite. Then, there is the fighting, the constant fighting. It’s not like their arguing over how to free Tibet. (Nope, it’s still not free. I saw a bumper sticker the other day.) They argue over things like who gets in the car first. I don’t know if Home Alone has scared the hell out of them, but this bus ain’t leaving until everyone is on board.
It has been two weeks since I left my job to be a stay at home mom. I was second guessing my decision yesterday until I saw the news. There was a story of a 3-year-old killed in a jetski accident. The mother was my exact age. I’m sure she would give anything to have to clean spaghetti sauce off a wall, brush his teeth while he spits out toothpaste or make a peanut butter sandwich for the millionth time. It’s funny how we always want something more instead of cherishing what we have. Last night I danced with my daughter in the kitchen to the same song about 10 times. I didn’t rip my hair out. I enjoyed the moment watching her smile, shake her hips and wave her hands. I’m not going to pretend this is going to be easy. I may go bananas from time to time, but this is where I’m supposed to be.
6 Comments
Val @ Bonbon Break
Aaaaaaaaaaaamen. The night before I went in to talk to my principal about coming back to teach, my friend lost her daughter to a brain tumor. 6 weeks from diagnosis to losing her. Easiest decision I have ever made. Perspective often stings.
Loretta
being a stay at home mom is a 24/7 job!!! would not trade it for all the money in the world!!! Love this blog!!!
Jen @ Healthy...with a side of ranch
Working outside the home or not, motherhood is by far the hardest job I’ve ever had. I work part-time right now, and often question whether I’m working too much or not enough. Luckily, I think I’ve found a good compromise. Great blog!
D.E. Olcott
You make me think…really think…and laugh…really laugh… Every day. Thank you !!
Tricia
Amen! So true and even after your children go to school us stay home mom still have a hard job. Great blog.
Alissa m
I felt the same way. I live on canandaigua lake an saw the story yesterday. I work from home mid week and also commute and the kids are at the sitters. I had such a visceral reaction to it. I wanted my babies home. I cried and my stomach ached for the mom. I have a ten year old stepdaughter, a 3 year old and a 15 month old. I thought about te same thing as you, this mother would probably do anything to hold her child and I can. It hit home. I feel the same as you. Thank you.