I think as a mother of two remarkable boy wonders and a wife to a wonderful, loving man, I have a pretty good job. I don’t really have any complaints as such. When I hear other women’s comments about being a stay at home mom, they tend to be heavy on the negative side of the number line rather than the positive side. They complain about not having enough time to relax or read a book and that the house is always a mess because the kids don’t put away their toys. Hearing these things makes my ears burn.
I do the laundry, cook dinner, buy the groceries, clean the bathrooms, empty the cat litter boxes, mow the lawn, attend every soccer and baseball practice and game, take kids to school and pick them up, go to the gym (not happily I might add) and somehow still have time to go to coffee with friends, shop with my Mom and most definitely read. Maybe I’m just more organized? Maybe I just like to be busy? Maybe I just like my job?
When I hear these women talk, I always think to myself, “Hmm. They didn’t go to the same Mother/Wife school that I did.” (Now, don’t get me wrong, I am by no means claiming to have this position completely figured out and have the golden key to parenting and all things wifely. I don’t.) I went to the school that taught me to believe that if you pick a profession that you love, then life will be fulfilling and the rewards that come to you will be great. I honestly think that some of these ladies must have skipped class and just worked on their tans.
My biggest pet peeve is when I hear a stay at home mom/wife complain that the “pay” is terrible, they never get a day off and the benefits are questionable. I don’t seem to have that problem. I am paid every day. I get hugs, kisses, love and a lovely assortment of “Mom, where are my baseball socks? Where are my shin guards? Honey, thanks for ironing my shirt” type of comments that make me feel loved and needed. I take the day off when I need to and have time to myself if I need it. And, my benefits allow me to be home to greet my boys every day and to get that first reaction to whatever happened at school that day. I get to eat dinner with my husband on the deck and share our days and learn about the latest field hockey news.
I signed up for this position willingly and without reservation. Were these other women forced into their positions? Makes me wonder, that’s for sure. I love my job and all the long hours. It’s rewarding in so many ways. I hope that when you talk to me, you'll always know that I stand on the positive side of the number line. Always. I'm grateful for this position and love my job.
