For a long time, I thought, “Why would a mother want to go to work and leave her kids?” Now I know. Not only are there circumstances when a mom needs to work to provide for her family, but there are also times when a mom needs to work for her own sanity.
I blog for my sanity. I am not one of those moms who cook, clean, play, read, and snuggle with their kids all day long. I would go nuts. I am not a stay-at-home kinda mom. I am a get-out-and-explore-the-world kinda mom. Where I go, my kids go. While I am home, watching them grow, learn, and play, I blog. Not dote on my babies 24 / 7.
Being a mother is tiring, both mentally and physically. I mean, don’t get wrong, I love it. I don’t know of anything more rewarding than being a parent, but it has its challenges. Cranky kids, sick kids, needy kids, fighting kids, and poopy kids. Having kids is love, joy, blood, sweat, and tears, all wrapped into one big package.
Sometimes I want to be left alone. I want to focus on myself and my non-mom goals. I want my space bubble to be left intact and not be popped by one of my offspring. Sometimes “going to work” sounds good.
[ngg src=”random_images” display=”pro_imagebrowser” is_ecommerce_enabled=”1″ maximum_entity_count=”20″]These last few years my husband has become a stay-at-home dad. This wasn’t his choice but due to health issues that is just the way it is. Brad loves his kids but there are many days he will tell you, “I miss work. It was easier.” Well, this isn’t completely true because his work situation was contributing to seizures, but I get his point.Being a parent is stressful. If the kids are having a good day, one of the parents is not. If the parents are having a good day, one of the kids is not. If everyone is having a good day, something crazy happens and it all goes to pot. If everyone is having a good day, and everyone goes to bed happy, the planets must be in alignment! Whoot, whoot!
Sometimes “going to work” sounds good to a tired mom or dad. It’s completely normal and it’s completely understandable. Sometimes I wish I could blog at an office and not in my home. Working at home is not always everything it is cracked up to be. Not when you have four children at your side, spilling coffee on your laptop.
If I worked out of the house though, I would have to find a suitable sitter, pay a hefty price for proper child care, and miss my kid’s milestones. I am sure I would wish I was a stay-at-home mom. Maybe finding contentment is the key. Being satisfied with your blessings. Maintaining a positive viewpoint. Choosing to smile instead of frown. Or at least trying to smile, even when you really just want to scream and run away.
If you a parent and “going to work” sounds good, that is okay. I get you. It took me a while to come around, but I’m here. By the way, can I go to work with you? Just a few times a month, I swear ;-)
Signing off in Mexico, crazy momma of four, Tina
I have done both, and I miss work. Just the adult conversation alone was amazing. Having a reason to wear makeup and dress up instead of pajamas three days in a row. I guess the hardest part is adjusting to a different routine. I have worked out side of home for 19 years and most of the time it was full time and the last 8 years I was mom too. Kids can ruin the best plans, but I try to remind myself eventually they will not need me. That each phase is remarkable short and I will miss these crazy and chaotic days too!
I totally get it. I often wish I could switch places with Chris for just a day. I realize he has his own stress, but he also gets to talk to adults, eat lunch in peace, and take a minute to breath when he needs to. I on the other hand go grocery shopping by myself so I can get some peace. Lol. Great post Tina.:-)
So true- we always want what we don’t have :) I’m a working Mom (teacher) and I miss my kids like crazy!! It’s so hard!
Awww. I am sorry Shannon. I have friends in this situation. Some like it and some don’t. You are right. There are pros and cons to everything included being a SAHM or a working mom. We don’t really know till we are in those shoes!