In Praise of Stay-At-Home Moms

Two years ago when I decided to become a SAHM once my son was born was filled with mixed feelings. I had always worked, even when my daughters were younger. I always felt like I had missed so many of their firsts and I really wanted it different with my son. So with talking it over with my husband, we made it work.

I realize that I am very blessed to be able to stay at home with him. It not only gives me more time with him, but with the girls as well. I still struggle sometimes with mixed feelings about becoming a stay-at-home mom.

I recently had the opportunity to read, Dr. Laura Schlessinger's book that is titled "In Praise of Stay-At-Home Moms". This book really touched home and I now realize that it is completely normal for me to feel the way I do at times. I wanted to share a little exceprt from this book that really hit home.

"Yet one of the major aspects of not being a SAHM is that you are visible to the world--seen coming and going and being responsible for things. For some women, a sense of invisibility strikes once they are at home with children; all of a SAHM's "work responsibilities" are within the walls of her residence, where she is genreally alone. Since no goal is ever really accomplished for good--no kitchen cupboard stays stocked, no diaper stays unfilled, and no bathroom stays clean--her repetitive efforts can feel thankless and unnoticed. This is where a good husband comes in--one that expresses appreciation and gratitude for the woman who is raising his children and creating a lovely, peaceful, happy home for all of them."

This is so true when it comes to how I feel from time to time. I had always had a job that had demands and what I did affected others. People could see what I had accomplished and I had that great feeling of pride. I will admit that I still struggle with feeling unappreciated for what I do. I have a wonderful husband, but as it says. Nothing stays done. So even when the living room is cleaned, you can bet that within 15 minutes it will be full of toys again.



So if you are a stay-at-home mom or even considering becoming one, this book is a fantastic read! It really helps you see how you personally impact your children. From reading what other women have dealt with really makes one see that everyone deals with those common questions and it's alright to have doubts. Just remember you are doing what you do by choice. It's a choice that your children with thank you for in the future!