The stay at home mom vent

I have proudly been a stay at home mom for over 2 years now. I truly believe it is the hardest and most rewarding job but I am so sick and tired of hearing people talk to me like I lay around all day and do nothing. Or like my "job" is far less important than theirs because they sit at a desk all day.

Jonathan and I both decided when we were pregnant that I would stay home. After looking at childcare options and prices, we agreed there was no point in me going to work if my salary was going to pay for someone else to look after Hudson. Sure I would bring in some extra money but a large chunk would go to someone else watching our baby. But now the comments like, "well someone in this family has to work" or "someone has to carry the load around here" are getting thrown around and it drives me crazy. I cannot imagine the burden he feels being the only breadwinner. Taking care of yourself is hard enough but supporting your entire family is a whole other story. I know that when he says these things he is just venting. I ask him all the time if he wants me to go back to work and he always says he would rather me be home with Hudson.

Sadly the comments are not just from Jonathan. There have been many of times family members will make snide remarks about me not "working." Or compare me to other women who have jobs and children.

I work my tail off everyday. I am the maid, the mommy, the taxi driver, the short order cook, the chef, the baker, the laundry person, the teacher, the organizer, the planner, etc. There are many a days where I do not even have 5 minutes to shower. I cannot remember the last time I used the bathroom without a little boy looking at me. I will spend 20 minutes straightening up only to turn around and see if took 5 seconds to destroy again.

I grew up having a mom who stayed home and I look back and think how important that was. I always had someone teaching me things, at my after school activities and games. She was always able to come to school to volunteer, pick me up and bring me home and be there when I needed her. I am not saying working moms do not have that ability but sometimes work wins scheduling wise.

I want to be there for every aspect of Hudson's life. I have been so lucky to watch him grow and develop the past 2 years. I was here for his 1st word, 1st step, 1st bite of real food, 1st throw up.... I have seen it all.

So no, I do not sit at home all day playing on the computer or laying around watching tv. Yes, I may go to the pool for 3 hours (non of that involves tanning. I have a 2 year old who loves to splash and learn to swim) or I may be in pajamas for an entire day but I am still working.

And I am not bashing moms who work in any way. I have the upmost respect for people who can balance work and family!

It is so easy to judge someone or knock their family situation but until you have walked in their shoes, you really have no way to judge them. People make decisions that they believe are best for their family. Whether it is the mom going to work everyday or staying home. They chose these things because that is what they want to do for their kids and their life. So the next time you want to judge someone, please remember that you are just wasting your time. No one wants to hear you tell someone else how to run their lives.

I need to make a support group for stay at home moms :)